Jennifer Jane (Jennifer) Westendorf, Ph.D.

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Photo of Jennifer Jane Westendorf (Jennifer)., Ph.D.
10:45:18:267
Jennifer Jane (Jennifer) Westendorf, Ph.D.
email
Location: Minnesota
  • Primary Appointment
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Joint Appointment
  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Academic Rank
  • Professor of Biochem/Molecular Biology
  • Professor of Orthopedics
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Clinical Profile
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Summary

We are interested in the molecular basis for bone formation, bone regeneration, and the growth of primary and metastatic bone tumors. Our investigations focus on a molecule called Runx2 that is essential for bone development.

We have identified several proteins that partner with Runx2 to regulate its activities and to control bone development, sarcoma growth and/or cancer-associated bone disease. This work has important implications for understanding how biological agents and therapeutic drugs affect skeletal health.

Our research is revealing novel insights into numerous diseases including osteoporosis, craniosynostosis, diseases of heterotopic bone, non-union fractures, osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors, and bone disease caused by metastatic cancers, including breast and prostate cancer.

Recent publications

See my publications

Education

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Molecular Biology
Vanderbilt University

Ph.D.
Immunology Track, Mayo Graduate School, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic

Ph.D. – Biomedical Sciences-Immunology
Ph.D. Program, Mayo Graduate School, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic

Post Doctoral Fellowship – Tumor biology
St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital

B.A. – Biology and Chemistry
University of Minnesota, Morris


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