The Bone in Metabolic Diseases thematic research team focuses on metabolic and endocrine disorders — such as osteoporosis, chronic kidney disease, hypophosphatemic rickets, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia — that affect skeletal structure and function across the lifespan. Their work spans basic discovery (e.g., genetic regulation of FGF23 in phosphate disorders), to translational research and clinical trials, including landmark studies leading to FDA-approved treatments like burosumab for X-linked hypophosphatemia.
Who We Are
Our mission is to improve diagnosis, treatment and long-term care of musculoskeletal conditions across the lifespan — from genetic disorders in childhood to degenerative diseases in adulthood. We combine clinical insight with cutting-edge research tools, including genomics, precision health and translational studies, to deliver holistic, patient-centered care.
We envision a future where individuals of all ages benefit from tailored, research-informed musculoskeletal care — where early detection and precision treatments minimize disease burden, maximize mobility and foster lifelong bone and muscle resilience.
In 2024, team members authored 101 total publications. Seven of these were in journals with an impact factor of 10 or above.
Members of the Bone in Metabolic Diseases team have received major honors and received nationally recognized awards:
- President, ASBMR
- Frederic C. Bartter Award
- Named Fellow of the ASBMR
- Director, ICMH
- President, AIMM
- Stephen M. Krane Award
- Fuller Albright Award
- Bartter Award
- Named Chancellor’s Professor
- Paula Stern Achievement Award
- Principal investigator of the NIH T32 Musculoskeletal Training Program
These recognitions highlight the team’s leadership in bone biology, mentorship and translational research.
Team Leaders
Indiana University School of Medicine Investigators
Angela Bruzzaniti, PhD
Director, PhD Training Program and Research Development, School of Dentistry
Christine B. Caltoum, MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery
Erica L. Clinkenbeard, PhD
Assistant Professor of Medical and Molecular Genetics
Robyn K. Fuchs, PhD
Adjunct Associate Professor of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology
Charalampos Lyssikatos, MD
Assistant Research Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Megan B. Marine, MD
Associate Professor of Clinical Radiology & Imaging Sciences
Ranjani N. Moorthi, M.D., MPH
Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine
Thomas M. O'Connell, PhD
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
Lilian I. Plotkin, PhD
Assistant Dean for Faculty Affairs and Professional Development
Uma Sankar, PhD
L. Kenneth & Paula D. Knoebel Professor of Cellular & Integrative Physiology
Rachel K. Surowiec, PhD
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Radiology & Imaging Sciences
Stuart J. Warden, PhD
Professor of Physical Therapy, School of Health & Human Sciences
Indiana University Members - Other Schools
Randall Roper, PhD
Associate Professor of Biology
Adjunct Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering