Regenerative Medicine Laboratory

Director and Principal Investigator: Dr. Claudia Biguetti, DDS, MSc, PhD 

The Research Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, established in November 2022, is part of the School of Podiatric Medicine at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Our mission is to advance interdisciplinary research in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine to support the scientific and medical communities in addressing critical health challenges. Aligned with UTRGV’s commitment to student success and research excellence, we provide mentorship and training to undergraduate students, graduate trainees (such as DPMs and PhDs), international scholars, and postdoctoral fellows.

What Do We Research?

Our research aims to optimize tissue repair and maintain tissue homeostasis in patients with dysregulated inflammatory responses due to diabetes, aging, chronic inflammatory conditions, or extensive trauma (such as critical defects resulting from military injuries or accidents). We use a mechanistic approach through both in vitro and in vivo models to investigate the underlying biological pathways. Our in vitro studies focus on musculoskeletal cells (bone and muscle) and immune cells (such as macrophages), exploring mechanisms of inflammation and regeneration when exposed to biomaterials, medications, simulated hyperglycemia, or inflammatory environments. We also have expertise in designing animal models for experimental surgeries involving combined bone and muscle trauma, dental and orthopedic titanium implants, and bone grafts.

Why Do We Research?

The rising global prevalence of diabetes and aging-related diseases presents urgent challenges to the scientific and medical communities. A landmark study published in The Lancet (Vol. 404, Issue 10467) reported that, from 1990 to 2022, diabetes rates increased across 200 countries, affecting more than 140 million individuals and underscoring persistent gaps in treatment coverage despite available therapies. At the same time, aging populations are expanding worldwide, leading to increased incidence of degenerative conditions and impaired tissue healing. These trends demand new solutions to prevent complications, restore function, and reduce health disparities. The Regenerative Medicine Research Laboratory at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is committed to advancing interdisciplinary research in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine to address these pressing needs. We combine the expertise of our students, collaborators, and partnering PIs across various fields in medicine (podiatry, general medicine, dentistry), engineering (mechanical and chemical), and translational sciences (biochemistry, immunology, and microbiology), to address non-healing challenges and shift paradigms in musculoskeletal health. Our primary goal is to design strategies that support physicians in improving healing outcomes for vulnerable populations, while mentoring the next generation of researchers to build a healthier future.

Acknowledgements:

• Special thanks to the UT System Rising STARs Program and the UTRGV President’s Office for providing essential startup resources that helped establish our laboratory.
• We are deeply grateful for the continued support and investment from the School of Podiatric Medicine, and to Dean Dr. Javier LaFontaine for his leadership in expanding our infrastructure to promote excellence in teaching and research.
• Sincere thanks to Dr. Can (John) Saygin, UTRGV Senior Vice President for Research, and the Division of Research for their support in advancing research enhancement and collaboration.
• We are thankful to ACFAS for funding support of our in collaboration with Dr. Naohiro Shibuya (ADA and PI) and Dr. Yahan Wei (Assistant Professor and Co-PI).
• We also thank our UT System research collaborators - Dr. Danieli Rodrigues (University of Texas at Dallas), Dr. Craig Hanis, and Dr. Walid Fakhouri (UTHealth Houston) - for their valuable partnership in projects supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
• Finally, we thank all our collaborators across UTRGV and UT System, students, and partnering investigators whose dedication and shared expertise continue to make this work possible.

Our Research Dissemination at PubMed: (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/1xmj0MsHE6nAu/bibliography/public/)

How to Join our Lab:

• UTRGV Undergraduate Students: Opportunities are available through the School of Integrative Biology via Independent Research Courses (BIOL 4399 – 3 credit, tuition-free), or through the College of Health Professions via BMED Independent Research I–IV. Contact Dr. Biguetti for more information.
• UTRGV DPM Students: Participation is available through the Research Training Program in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery after successful completion of the first preclinical year. Applications open in June for each academic year. Interested students are encouraged to contact the PI in advance to discuss research interests. Students with strong class attendance and effective time management skills are especially encouraged to apply.
• Master’s and PhD Students, and Postdocs: Interested researchers please contact the PI.