The research of Sundeep Khosla, M.D., focuses on the mechanisms of age-related bone loss, sex steroid regulation of bone metabolism and the detrimental effects of diabetes mellitus on bone. Dr. Khosla's research group in his Osteoporosis and Bone Biology Laboratory is examining how fundamental aging mechanisms in bone lead to increased skeletal fragility. In addition, Dr. Khosla also uses a number of genetically engineered disease models to define how estrogen regulates the skeleton. In clinical studies, Dr. Khosla is examining the adverse effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus on bone structure and material properties, which may explain the increase in fracture risk in this population.

Focus areas

• Mechanisms of age-related bone loss
• Sex steroid action on bone
• Effects of diabetes mellitus on bone

Significance to patient care

Dr. Khosla's work has the potential to significantly impact how patients with osteoporosis are diagnosed and treated. Specifically, his work on defining the pathways that lead to bone loss with aging and estrogen deficiency may identify new molecular targets for drugs to reverse osteoporosis. Additionally, Dr. Khosla's studies have identified skeletal fragility as an important complication of diabetes mellitus, leading to greater attention to reducing fracture risk in these patients.