Dr. Renny Franceschi, a professor of dentistry in the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the School of Dentistry, has received the International Association for Dental Research’s top research award.
At IADR’s annual session in Toronto, Franceschi received the Biological Mineralization Award for his many discoveries related to the control of bone formation.
The process is mediated by the osteoblast, a highly specialized cell that secretes and mineralizes the collagen-containing extracellular matrix of mature bone. In healthy bone the resulting structure provides strength and resistance to fractures while defects in osteoblast function lead to osteoporosis and increased risk of fracture.
Among his many research contributions, Franceschi has identified a fundamental mechanism that is used by the osteoblast to activate its genetic program. This activation process occurs in response to extracellular signals, including weight-bearing exercise, which is known to dramatically stimulate bone formation and strength. This discovery may lead to developing pharmaceuticals designed to increase bone formation and strength.
Franceschi earned his doctorate in biochemistry at Purdue University in 1978 and received additional postdoctoral research training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before coming to U-M in 1993 as an associate professor, he held faculty positions at Harvard and the University of Texas. In addition to his professorship at the School of Dentistry, Franceschi also is a professor in the Department of Biological Chemistry at the Medical School. He was associate dean for research at the School of Dentistry and has served as president of IADR’s Mineralized Tissues Group.
