Publications:44
Calogera M Simonaro, PhD
About Me
Language
English
Position
PROFESSOR | Genetics and Genomic Sciences
Research Topics
Apoptosis/Cell Death, Biomechanics/Bioengineering, Bone Biology, Cartilage Biology, Cellular Differentiation, Cytokines, Genetics, Inflammation, Lysosomal Storage Diseases, Pathology
Education
BA, St. John's University
MS, Brooklyn College
PhD, New York University
, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
MPh, New York University
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.
Publications
Selected Publications
- Endocannabinoid receptor 2 is a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for the lysosomal storage disorders. Calogera M. Simonaro, Makiko Yasuda, Edward H. Schuchman. Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease
- 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
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.
Below are financial relationships with industry reported by Dr. Simonaro during 2025 and/or 2026. 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.