Calogera M Simonaro | Mount Sinai

Biography

Research Topics

Apoptosis/Cell Death, Biomechanics/Bioengineering, Bone Biology, Cartilage Biology, Cellular Differentiation, Cytokines, Genetics, Inflammation, Lysosomal Storage Diseases, Pathology

Research

Postdoctoral Fellows: Michael Frobergh

Research Personnel: Research Assistant: Yi Ge, Fanli Meng, Changzhi Zhu

The overall goal of our research is to fill the void in our understanding of MPS bone and joint disease and to develop new and improved therapies that might benefit MPS patients. We specifically study two animal models with MPS VI, but anticipate that the results obtained can be applicable to the general class of MPS disorders and benefit a wide range of patients.

Our studies carried out over the past five years have revealed that glycosaminoglycan GAG accumulation is a direct cause of chondrocyte death (apoptosis) in the articular cartilage and growth plates of MPS animals, leading to abnormal matrix homeostasis. This enhanced cell death also triggers a series of signaling events that lead to marked inflammatory disease with characteristic increases in proinflammatory cytokines, metalloproteinases (MMPs), and apoptotic cells. Together, these two factors (enhanced cell death and inflammation), lead to the characteristic bone and joint disease in the MPS disorders. In addition, cellular defects associated with the maturation of MPS growth plates are likely contributing to abnormal bone growth.

Enzyme replacement studies in MPS animals and human patients have revealed that chondrocytes in joints and bones are difficult to reach following injection due to the poor vascular supply to these tissues and the fact that the target cells are embedded in a dense matrix. With the availability of enzyme replacement it is important to continue to investigate new approaches for improving enzyme delivery to these critical target tissues.

Our findings have important implications for the treatment of MPS individuals, as well as for the identification of novel biomarkers to monitor disease progression and therapeutic efficacy. In addition, many of the pathologic processes in the MPS bones and joints have close similarities to those that occur in arthritis. Thus, some of the important biomarkers and therapeutic targets for arthritis should be considered for MPS.

Education

BA, St. John's University

MS, Brooklyn College

PhD, New York University

Mount Sinai School of Medicine

MPh, New York University

Publications

43

Publications

Selected Publications

New paradigms for the treatment of lysosomal storage diseases: targeting the endocannabinoid system as a therapeutic strategy. Edward H. Schuchman, Maria D. Ledesma, Calogera M. Simonaro. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases

Acid Ceramidase Protects Against Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Modulating Sphingolipid Metabolism and Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress. Yuan Jiang, Xingxuan He, Calogera M. Simonaro, Bin Yi, Edward H. Schuchman. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology

A New Fluorescent Method to Detect Sulfamidase Activity in Blood, Tissue Extracts and Dried Blood Spots. Xingxuan He, Edward H. Schuchman, Calogera M. Simonaro. Journal of Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Screening

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Office Locations

Icahn (East) Building Floor 14 Room 14-25

1425 Madison Ave

New York, NY 10029

212-659-6738

Icahn (East) Building Floor 14 Room 14-26A (Lab)

1425 Madison Ave

New York, NY 10029

Industry Relationships

Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology companies and other outside entities to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their outside financial relationships.

Dr. Simonaro did not report having any of the following types of financial relationships with industry and other outside entities during 2023 and/or 2024: consulting, scientific advisory board, industry-sponsored lectures, service on Board of Directors, participation on industry-sponsored committees, equity ownership valued at greater than 5% of a publicly traded company or any value in a privately held company. Please note that this information may differ from information posted on corporate sites due to timing or classification differences.

Mount Sinai's faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website. Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.

Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology companies and other outside entities to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their outside financial relationships.

Dr. Simonaro did not report having any of the following types of financial relationships with industry and other outside entities during 2023 and/or 2024: consulting, scientific advisory board, industry-sponsored lectures, service on Board of Directors, participation on industry-sponsored committees, equity ownership valued at greater than 5% of a publicly traded company or any value in a privately held company. Please note that this information may differ from information posted on corporate sites due to timing or classification differences.

Mount Sinai's faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website. Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.