Histologic cross section of bone showing intracortical vascular networks, with inset magnifications highlighting blood vessels within cortical bone tissue.

Bone Quality Research Lab | Kazakia Lab

Our main research interest is the characterization of bone quality and fracture risk using both in vivo and ex vivo high resolution imaging techniques. Specifically, we are developing and applying techniques using high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), clinical QCT, photon counting CT (PCCT), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for the assessment of bone quality and musculoskeletal physiology in disease states affecting the skeleton. As a part of the Musculoskeletal Quantitative Imaging Research (MQIR) group in the Department of Radiology and Biological Imaging at UCSF, we enjoy a rich, collaborative environment working closely with researchers, clinicians, and students. Partnering with UCSF MSK Center, we are able to combine forces with clinical, translational, and basic sciences throughout the UCSF ecosystem to push science forward. We are committed to the training and education of postdoctoral fellows, residents, and students (medical, graduate, undergraduate, and high school) interested in pursuing careers in musculoskeletal research. Our research is supported by the NIH and by intramural UCSF funding.

Research

A novel method for quantifying cortical pore topology

This research introduces a new imaging analysis method to measure how cortical bone pores cluster, connect, and realign, improving understanding of how pore structure contributes to…

Bone quality and marrow adiposity in HIV-infected individuals

This research investigates why people living with HIV have higher fracture risk despite normal bone density, using advanced imaging to study changes in bone quality and marrow fat that…

Effects of reduced weight-bearing on skeletal geometry, micro-structure, strength

This research examines how reduced weight bearing alters bone microstructure and strength beyond bone density, using high resolution imaging to identify structural changes that could…

HR-pQCT in vivo bone quality assessment

This research evaluates how accurately HR pQCT measures bone microarchitecture in living patients by comparing different image resolutions to micro CT, the gold standard for assessing…

MicroCT quantification of bone composition

This research evaluates how well standard micro CT can measure bone tissue mineral density and composition by comparing it to synchrotron micro CT, with the goal of improving…

Mineralization abnormalities in a mouse model of fibrous dysplasia

This research shows that constant Gs signaling in osteoblasts causes abnormal bone formation, producing immature, poorly mineralized bone in a mouse model of fibrous dysplasia.

NonInvasive Virtual Biopsy for Determining Bone Turnover in Chronic Kidney Disease

This research develops a noninvasive virtual bone biopsy using time lapse HR pQCT to measure bone turnover in people with chronic kidney disease, aiming to replace invasive biopsies…

Progression and etiology of cortical porosity in diabetic bone disease

This research examines why people with type 2 diabetes have fragile bones despite normal bone density, using advanced imaging to track how cortical porosity develops over time and…

Systemic Bone Loss Following Fracture in Humans

This research studies how a single fracture can trigger whole body bone loss in older adults, using advanced imaging to track bone loss and recovery over time and identify mechanisms…

Publications

More publications by Galateia Kazakia, PhD are available on Pubmed.

The Use of Time-Lapse High-Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography for Noninvasive Bone Turnover and Bone Quality Assessment in CKD

Skeletal Effects of Sleeve Gastrectomy, by Sex and Menopausal Status and Compared to Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

The impact of segmentation approach on HR-pQCT microarchitectural and biomechanical metrics depends on bone structure

Time-lapse HR-pQCT reliably assesses and monitors local bone turnover in patients with chronic kidney disease

Calcium phosphate nanoclusters modify periodontium remodeling and minimize orthodontic relapse

Opportunities

Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Bone Quality Research Lab offers research internships for students interested in musculoskeletal imaging, bone biology, and quantitative image analysis. Interns gain hands on experience working with advanced imaging techniques, data analysis, and ongoing clinical and translational research projects, while being mentored by faculty, researchers, and trainees in an interdisciplinary environment.

Internships

We have student research assistant positions available for the semester, summer, or for longer term. In particular, we look for highly motivated students with programming experience to help with advanced image processing, or with lab experience to help with cadaver and animal specimen experiments. The students will be trained in all necessary procedures and exposed to both basic science and clinical aspects of musculoskeletal research. Students will also have the opportunity to work closely with radiologists, imaging scientists, and clinicians including orthopaedic surgeons. Potential applicants are encouraged to review the following training programs, in which we actively participate: