Melvin J. Glimcher's laboratory is studying the detailed composition and nanostructure of mineralized tissues, mechanisms of bone repair, and nanoscale mechanisms in bone mineralization. The researchers aim to determine the 3D structure of the nucleation site in the organic matrix of bone, which initiates mineralization and the structure of the initial crystalline phase formed. They also plan to characterize the 3D nanoscale architecture of bone, including the spatial relationship between its organic and inorganic components and its role in the mechanical and physiological functions of bone. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of bone mineralization will enable interventions in disorders involving inappropriate mineralization and/or organization of bone mineral in various diseases, injuries, and bone repair.

The Glimcher group is also developing noninvasive MRI using combined 31P and proton NMR for use in determining the volumetric degree of bone matrix mineralization. Unlike current clinical modalities for evaluating bone mineralization, the MRI methodology under development will allow true 3D quantitation of degree of bone matrix mineralization. It will be suitable for clinical use in various bone diseases, fractures, and genetic disorders of the skeleton.

Melvin J. Glimcher received his MD magna cum laude from Harvard Medical School. He completed an internship in general surgery at Strong Memorial Hospital and a residency in general surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Glimcher completed his orthopedic/surgical training at the Massachusetts General Hospital as Chief Resident. Following his residency, Dr. Glimcher entered Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a graduate student and was later a research fellow in biology/biophyiscs at MIT.

Dr. Glimcher is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is the recipient of numerous other awards and honors, including the MERIT Award, National Institute of the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; William F. Neuman Award for Distinguished Achievement in the Field of Bone and Mineral Research, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research; AAOS Award for best research in bone over 25 year period; Dr. Marian Ropes Physician Achievement Award for Excellence in Arthritis Research, Arthritis Foundation; the Alfred Rives Shands, Jr. Award for Outstanding Research, Orthopaedic Research Society; and an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering from Purdue University.