Dr. Alejandro Almarza has focused on tissue engineering and regenerative therapies for more than 15 years, and has developed approaches for both soft and hard musculoskeletal tissues. Dr. Almarza has over 45 published manuscripts, with most focused on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Dr. Almarza has secured over $12M in NIH funding as PI including three R01 grants, and an UC2 grant from the NIH HEAL Initiative.
Dr. Almarza’s early work focused on the use of extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds for regeneration of the TMJ disc. Toward translation, commercialization efforts have involved discussions with FDA, which led to a 2022 paper using good laboratory practices (GLP) large animal studies for safety of the ECM scaffold manufactured under like-good manufacturing practices (GMP) for any TMJ regenerative therapy. In a parallel translational effort, Dr. Almarza was one of the first to publish on the use of magnesium as a degradable metal in craniofacial applications, leading to two issued U.S. patents.
Dr. Almarza developed an approach toward regeneration of the mandibular condyle cartilage of the TMJ. Dr. Almarza was the first to publish a regenerative therapy for the mandibular condylar cartilage in a large animal model, where Dr. Almarza pioneered a new type of defect model as well as the goat as an animal model for TMJ regenerative therapies. Future TMJ large animal studies will likely use ruminant species (goats and sheep).
Dr. Almarza’s newest area of interest is in joint degeneration models to understand the link to pain. Dr. Almarza adapted an abnormal loading model (bite block) from rodents to rabbits, which allowed the characterization of the mechanical properties of the joint tissues. This new rabbit model required development of methods to study pain responses and joint kinematics. The research is now focused on rat models of joint damage, along with new techniques to image innervation patterns.
Dr. Almarza’s primary research interest is in the area of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). He is trying to understand the link between joint damage and pain, as well as regenerative therapies for the joint tissues.
Dr. Almarza’s research focuses on:
- 3D visualization technologies for innervation patterns in joints
- CRISPR epigenome modulation of inflammatory receptors
- CRISPR epigenome upregulation for tissue engineering and regenerative therapies
- Extracellular matrix scaffold for regeneration
- Human subjects research to understand and stratify their pain conditions