SUMMARY
More people visit doctors each year for musculoskeletal problems than for any other reason. Bone and joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, are common diseases and huge economic and social burdens to society. The development and progression of these diseases are influenced by genetic, environmental and biomechanical factors.
Jennifer J. Westendorf, Ph.D., studies the cellular, molecular and epigenetic basis for skeletal formation, the regeneration of bone and cartilage, and the growth of primary and metastatic bone tumors. To learn more about Dr. Westendorf's research, visit her Skeletal Development and Regeneration Research Laboratory website.
Dr. Westendorf is an experienced leader and mentor of young scientists. In addition to having students and fellows in her laboratory, she directs Mayo Clinic's training program in musculoskeletal research. Dr. Westendorf is proud that many students and fellows in these programs have received individual fellowships and gone on to successful careers in biomedical sciences.
Dr. Westendorf is committed to promoting inclusive, safe and supportive research environments for trainees from diverse, underrepresented and multicultural backgrounds. She established and led the Office of Research Equity, Inclusion and Diversity at Mayo Clinic from 2017-2022. External to Mayo Clinic, Dr. Westendorf led a task force in 2019 for the Orthopaedic Research Society on ways to improve equity, inclusion and diversity in orthopedic research. She also studied bias in publications.
Dr. Westendorf is presently the chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Mayo Clinic.
Focus areas
Current projects in Dr. Westendorf's lab focus on:
- Phlpp1/2 protein phosphatases in cartilage development, preservation and regeneration.
- Phlpp inhibitors as disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs.
- The role of Phlpp1/2 in sensory neurons and osteoarthritis-associated pain.
- Identification of novel regulators of senescence in osteoarthritis.
- Histone deacetylases (Hdacs) in bone and bone marrow adipose tissue.
Significance to patient care
The research of Dr. Westendorf and her team is revealing new insights into common skeletal diseases and focuses on validating new molecules as treatment targets. Their goal is to increase knowledge that leads to the rational design of novel therapeutics for musculoskeletal diseases such as osteoarthritis.
Professional highlights
- Discovery Science Award, Development of Novel Proteolytic Targeting Chimeras That Promote Cartilage Regeneration, Regenerative Medicine Minnesota, 2022-2024.
- Mayo Clinic principal investigator, Collaborative Research Seed Grant, Arizona State University and Mayo Clinic, 2023.
- Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Minnesota, Morris, 2022.
- Fellow, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, 2018.
- Women's Leadership Forum Award, Orthopedic Research Society, 2018.
- Dean's Recognition Award, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Science, 2016.
- Margaret Amini Professor of Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Research, Mayo Clinic, 2015.
- Fuller Albright Award, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, 2009.