Photo of Danielle R. Rux, PhD

Danielle R. Rux, PhD

Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery
Academic Office Location:
Orthopaedic Surgery
UConn Health
263 Farmington Avenue
Farmington, CT 06030
Phone: 860-679-6698
Website(s):

Orthopedic Surgery
Education
DegreeInstitutionMajor
BSUniversity of Wisconsin-LaCrosseBiochemistry
PhDUniversity of MichiganCell and Developmental Biology

Post-Graduate Training
TrainingInstitutionSpecialty
PostdoctoralChildren's Hospital of PhiladelphiaSynovial joint development and regeneration

Awards
Name of Award/HonorAwarding Organization
Endowment for the Development of Graduate Excellence (EDGE) Award, Endowment for the Basic Sciences (EBS)University of Michigan
Bradley M. Patten Research Award for Excellence in Graduate Research, Department of Cell and Developmental BiologyUniversity of Michigan
Harold and Vivian Shapiro Student Loan Repayment AwardUniversity of Michigan
Young Investigator Award for Ph.D. training, ECTS training course in Hamburg, GermanyThe American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Name & DescriptionCategoryRoleTypeScopeStart YearEnd Year
Society for Developmental BiologyProfessional/Scientific OrganizationMemberRegional2022
Orthopedic Research SocietyProfessional/Scientific OrganizationMemberRegional2019
Penn Center for Musculoskeletal DisordersProfessional/Scientific OrganizationMemberRegional20162023
American Society for Bone and Mineral ResearchProfessional/Scientific OrganizationMemberNational2013

The Rux Laboratory specializes in musculoskeletal development, regeneration, and disease. Dr. Rux is an expert in skeletal developmental biology and in the Hox genes that are evolutionarily conserved fro embryonic patterning. She received her Ph.D. in Cell and Developmental Biology from the University of Michigan, studying novel roles for the Hox genes in adult skeletal regeneration. Her postdoctoral research was done at the Children's Hospital of Phildelphia where her work led to novel insights into postnatal articular cartilage morphogensis and the basis for her idendependent research program established at UConn Health in 2023. She is the recipient of the NIH/NIAMS K99/R00 Pathway to Independence award.


Research in the Rux lab is focused in synovial joint development and articular cartilage morphogenesis. The joints are essential for full range of motion and quality of life but are highly susceptible to diseases including hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, synovial joints have little to no capacity for innate regeneration, and damage is irreversible. A deeper understanding of the developmental processes that are vital to forming a fully functional joint will elucidate novel insights into disease and will also inform advanced strategies to prevent disease and/or to boost regenerative capacity in patients. Dr. Rux's highly innovative research program uses genetically modified mouse models combined with a range of techniques including advanced histologic staining and imaging, transcriptomic sequencing, and in vitro culture to elucidate morphogenetic mechanisms required for joint development and maintenance. Ongoing research projects center on defining how articular cartilage, the shock-absorbing cushion that lines opposing bones, acquires and maintains its zonal structure throughout life for optimal function. The lab is current focused on patterning by the Hox genes and by the Hedgehog signaling pathway.

Come join us! We are seeking curious and collaborative scientists at all stages of training, including undergraduate, post-bacc and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Please contact Dr. Rux directly for more information. rux@uchc.edu.

Accepting Lab Rotation Students: Fall Block 2024, Spring 1 and 2 Block 2025

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