Arnold I. Caplan, PhD
Arnold I. Caplan, Professor of Biology and Director of the Skeletal Research Center at Case Western Reserve University. He received his Ph.D. from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Caplan is a national and international scholar focusing on experimentation in the area of musculoskeletal and skin development.
He has published over 400 papers and manuscripts and has long been supported by the NIH and other non-profit and for-profit agencies for his efforts in trying to understand the development, maturation and aging of cartilage, bone, skin and other mesenchymal tissues and for his pioneering research on Mesenchymal Stem Cells.
Diego Correa, MD, MSc, PhD
M.D. from Universidad Javeriana (Bogotá - Colombia); M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Universidad de Los Andes (Bogotá - Colombia) obtaining the Engineering School Fellowship for academic and research excellence; Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Physiology from Yale University/Harvard University where he received a full scholarship and was recipient of the George Robert Pfeiffer Fellowship from the Gustavus and Louise Pfeiffer Research Foundation. In 2009, he joined the laboratory of Professor Arnold Caplan at the Skeletal Research Center - Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH), where he led the projects related with the Biology of adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) and their use in the areas of Articular Cartilage Tissue Engineering, and the description of their role as gatekeepers controlling the process of distant Cancer Metastasis.
Currently holds a joint appointment as Assistant Professor between the Department of Orthopaedics (Division of Sports Medicine) and the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Correa’s laboratory focuses on the Biology of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), including the identification of functional subpopulations of cells, their immunomodulatory and trophic activities, intercellular communication through exosomes, and their potential therapeutic application during islet cell transplantation in type 1 Diabetes and in joint diseases, using both in vitro and in vivo models. In addition, he holds an Adjunct Assistant Professor appointment at the Dept. of Biology, Skeletal Research Center - Case Western Reserve University, where he continues interacting with Professor Arnold Caplan participating in various research areas and funded projects.
Dr. Correa is an expert in Cell Biology, with special emphasis on MSC biology and clinical applications in Regenerative Medicine. Throughout his career, Dr. Correa has approached Medicine and Science in a dynamic multidisciplinary manner, using tissue injury and regeneration, and the musculoskeletal system as primary platforms. He has analyzed them from various perspectives, including a clinical view of tissue damage in skeletal diseases, an engineering analysis of tissue mechanics, a basic science study of the cellular and molecular underpinnings of skeletal development using genetic models, and the development of novel therapeutic approaches to treat immune-related conditions and traumatic skeletal diseases based on stem cell therapy. This cohesive work has been recognized by distinctions such as the Young Investigator Award from OARSI (Osteoarthritis Research Society International) and chosen as special delegate for the Academy of Achievements 46th International Summit (Washington DC).
He holds various patents submissions; is author and co-author of a significant number of scientific publications in recognized journals; serves on the editorial board and as peer reviewer of various recognized scientific journals; serves as formal reviewer for scientific institutions both nationally (e.g.: CIRM) and internationally (National Medical Research Council of Singapore); and is an invited speaker and lecturer in national and international scientific and medical meetings.
Dr. Correa also participates in diverse entrepreneurial activities, such as the creation and evaluation of private start-up companies in the areas of Regenerative Medicine and adult stem cell-based therapy. He also participates in various Scientific Advisory Boards in companies within the Regenerative Medicine field.
