Eben G. Estell, PhD
Location
Dr. Estell is a biomedical researcher focused on developing tissue-engineered models to understand how cells interact with their mechanical environment, and leveraging this knowledge for the development of therapeutic solutions to degenerative diseases in the musculoskeletal system.
Credentials
Education
Expertise
- Biomaterials
- Biomechanics
- Biomedical research
- Cell biology
- Cell culture
- Fluid Dynamics
- Fluorescence microscopy
- Gene Expression Analysis
- Molecular biology
- Protein assays
- Tissue culture
Post-Doctoral Training
Research
Current research
The Estell Lab is currently focused on the K01-funded research project investigating the role of irisin, an exercise-induced hormone, in regulating bone remodeling through direct signaling effects and influence on cell mechanotransduction. This work is being expanded upon to develop a tissue engineered 3D osteocyte network to investigate the effect of irisin and other signaling molecules on the role of this cell as a mechanosensor in bone.
Selected publications
- Estell EG, Giffault P, Ichikawa T, Bonewald L, Spiegelman B, Rosen CR. “Irisin Enhances Mitochondrial Function in Osteoclast Progenitors During Differentiation.” Biomedicines (2023).
- Estell EG, Murphy LA, Gangi LR, Shah RP, Ateshian GA, Hung CT. “Attachment of Cartilage Wear Particles to the Synovium Negatively Impacts Friction Properties.” Journal of Biomechanics (2021).
- Estell EG, Vestig Y, Le P, Kim H, Spiegelman B, Baron R, Rosen CF. “Irisin directly stimulates osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption in vitro and in vivo.” eLife (2020).
- Estell EG, Murphy LA, Silverstein AM, Tan AR, Shah R, Ateshian AG, Hung CT. “Fibroblast-like Synoviocyte Mechanosensitivity to Fluid Shear is Modulated by Interleukin-1α.” Journal of Biomechanics (2017).
Other scholarly activity
- Member, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
- Reviewer, Cells MDPI
Funded grants
NIH/NIAMS Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01 AR081959): 2023 – 2028
Research interests
The Estell Lab employs tissue engineering strategies to understand the mechanisms of cell and tissue function in the musculoskeletal system. We are developing 3D models to investigate how cells sense and respond to physical and chemical aspects of their environment, and communicate with each other. The primary focus of this work is to understand the function of osteocytes in bone as a sensor network, and how the interplay between molecular signaling and mechanical forces guide cell behavior and ultimately tissue function in health and diseased states.