We study craniofacial development and regeneration using a variety of molecular and cellular approaches.  We have created mouse models of craniosynostosis to better understand the mechanisms that underlie this disease and have recently begun to address the hypothesis that the skull contains multipotent cells that can be used in tissue engineering applications.  We have used antibodies that recognize stem cell markers to isolate multipotent cells from the skull.  Specific subpopulations isolated from the skull have been expanded and instructed to differentiate into bone, cartilage or adipose.  Ongoing studies will address the ability of these cells to repair defects in the craniofacial complex.