Dr. Francesca Gori

Biography

Francesca Gori is an Associate Professor at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where her research focuses on the molecular and cellular genetic basis of cell fate differentiation. She is particularly interested in the identification and characterization of genes that regulate bone development and homeostasis, with an emphasis on the mechanisms of Wnt signaling in these processes. Wnt signaling is a crucial developmental pathway that controls cell fate decisions and tissue homeostasis. Recent studies from her lab have explored the role of Wnt16 in skeletal homeostasis and the differential regulation of trabecular and cortical bone. Additionally, Gori's work on Sfrp4, a WNT signaling inhibitor, has provided insights into its role in skeletal health and disease, particularly Pyle’s disease, characterized by limb deformity and fragility fractures. Ongoing research aims to elucidate the function of Wnt signaling in craniofacial development and tooth development, as oral diseases pose significant public health challenges. Gori employs mouse models to investigate the interactions of stem cells and the mechanisms that regulate tissue homeostasis and repair, striving for a deeper understanding of the biology underlying these processes.

Research Interests