Mathematical models of osteocyte network control of bone

Overview

Bone is a dynamic tissue that optimises its shape to the mechanical loads that it carries. Bone mass is accrued where loads are high, and reduced where loads are low. This adaptation of bone tissue to mechanical loads is due to a network of cells living within bone tissues, the osteocyte network. The osteocyte network senses mechanical deformations and emits signals that propagate to the bone surface to induce bone formation or bone removal.

In this project, you will develop new reaction--diffusion models to understand how osteocyte signals propagate through the network to induce system-level control of bone shape and mass. Novel imaging data on osteocyte networks may be used to construct the models. Results will be compared with previous theories of bone adaptation and with experimental observations.

Several projects and subprojects are available and can be tailored depending on interest and study level.

Research engagement

You will be exposed to leading-edge research from the literature, and have the opportunity to develop novel mathematical models informed by experimental data, and to develop bespoke computer code to numerically simulate the models.

Research activities

You will work closely and meet regularly with the supervisory team to carry out all aspects of the project, including engaging with key literature, developing new mathematical models, performing numerical simulations, and comparing with experimental observations.

Research skills

Research skills you will acquire include reading and understanding specialised literature on mathematical modelling of biological systems, applying established and novel mathematical modelling frameworks and critically analysing results obtained. You will also develop skills in presenting your results to a general and specialist audience.

Outcomes

The outcomes of this projects are new understandings of bone mechanobiology with implications for biomechanical implant stability, orthodontics, and bone disorders.

Skills and experience

This project can be tailored to suit research students at VRES, Honours, Masters, and PhD level. Some proficiency in differential equations and computer modelling is expected.

Start date

2 November, 2026

End date

19 February, 2027

Location

Gardens Point, QUT

Additional information

The supervisory team may take some leave over the summer break. Suitable dates will be arranged within this period.

Keywords

• Mathematical modelling
• Biomechanics
• Tissue growth
• Network control

Contact

Pascal Buenzli

x81558

pascal.buenzli@qut.edu.au