Dr Frank Beier Memorial Lecture
The Dr. Frank Beier Memorial Lecture is the cornerstone of a new biennial event hosted by the Bone and Joint Institute celebrating MSK research excellence, innovation, mentorship, and community. Established in memory of Dr. Frank Beier, a respected researcher, educator, mentor, and colleague, the lecture honours his enduring commitment to discovery, collaboration, and supporting the next generation of scientists. Dr. Beier's research helped advance our understanding of cartilage biology and osteoarthritis, while his leadership and dedication to mentorship left a lasting impact on countless students, trainees, and colleagues. Inspired by these values, the event will bring together researchers, trainees, patients, families, and community partners to share discoveries, celebrate emerging talent, and explore how MSK research can improve health and well-being.
A networking reception will follow, offering an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen the partnerships that drive future discovery while celebrating the spirit of curiosity, generosity, and collaboration that Frank embodied.
This year's Inaugural Keynote will feature Dr. Richard Loeser: Joseph P Archiem, Jr Eminent Professor of Medicine; Director, UNC Thurston Arthritis Research Centre at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Dr. Loeser’s primary research goal is to discover the basic mechanisms relevant to joint tissue destruction in osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the leading cause of pain and disability in older adults. A better mechanistic understanding of OA is needed in order to develop interventions that can slow or stop disease progression before advanced joint tissue destruction occurs.
Dr. Loeser’s lab uses a combination of in vitro experiments using human joint tissue cells and in vivo experiments in rodent models to study cell signaling pathways that regulate anabolic and catabolic activity responsible for joint tissue remodeling and destruction. The lab is particularly interested in determining how reactive oxygen species regulate chondrocyte signaling downstream of integrins, cytokines and growth factors through the oxidation of specific cysteine residues in kinases and phosphatases as well as other intracellular proteins. The lab is studying how oxidative stress that occurs with aging and joint injury can alter the activity of these signaling pathways.
Dr. Loeser’s clinical research interest is in exercise and weight loss interventions for knee OA as well as the potential role of gut microbiota in OA. He has been involved in OA biomarker studies that have included metabolomics work and recently in a multidisciplinary effort to define OA phenotypes.
Ronald D Schmeichel Bldg - Room TBD
1:30PM with reception to follow
Visitor Parking is available across Western Road in the Springett Lot
https://www.uwo.ca/parking/find-parking/visitor.html
