Dr. Xu Cao

Professor

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Biography

Xu Cao is a Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Director of the Center for Musculoskeletal Research at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. His research focuses on the role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in bone remodeling, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis. Dr. Cao leads a team investigating the mechanisms coupling bone resorption and formation, with particular interest in the role of Smad1 in osteoblast differentiation from MSCs. He has significantly contributed to understanding the microenvironment required for the differentiation of multipotential stem cells into functionally distinct cell types such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes. His laboratory's findings include insights on how parathyroid hormone and TGFß1 regulate MSC fate, with the primary goal being to elucidate the mechanisms by which MSCs influence bone health and disease progression. Dr. Cao has published extensively in reputable journals and continues to advance research in this field.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

— Present

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine • Baltimore, MD

Joined the faculty at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and has been involved in extensive research in orthopaedic surgery.

Requirements for Johns Hopkins University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree Inorganic Chemistry with Lab Organic Chemistry with Lab General Biology with Lab
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • CV
  • Personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
Specialization Notes

Department of Pathology - PhD in Pathobiology. GRE is not required.