Eri Takematsu, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Periodontics and Oral Medicine

email

[email protected]

Location

Room 4207, Dental Building 1011 N. University Ave. Ann Arbor, MI, 48109

Primary Lab

Biography

Eri Takematsu, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan whose research defines how skeletal stem cell heterogeneity governs craniofacial bone regeneration. Her work has revealed that anatomically distinct stem cell populations exhibit differential responses to BMP-2, challenging the one-size-fits-all paradigm in regenerative therapy. By integrating stem cell biology, protein engineering, and niche biology, she develops next-generation, site-specific regenerative strategies. Her research is supported by the NIDCR K99/R00 Pathway to Independence award and NIH M-PACT program.

Education

  • University of Texas at Austin, PhD in Biomedical Engineering 
  • University of Texas at Austin, MSE in Biomedical Engineering
  • Tokyo Institute of Technology, MSE in Materials Science
  • Tokyo University of Science, BS in Applied Chemistry

Research Interests

My research focuses on skeletal stem cell (SSC) biology and the engineering of targeted regenerative therapies for craniofacial bone and cartilage. I investigate how anatomical context shapes SSC function, demonstrating region-specific responses to morphogens such as BMP-2. My current work examines how extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and niche mechanics regulate SSC fate across mandibular and maxillary bone. In parallel, I develop engineered protein therapeutics, including BMP-2 mimetics using bispecific nanobody technology, to precisely control signaling activity. By integrating stem cell biology, biomaterials, and protein engineering, my research aims to establish design principles for anatomically tailored and clinically translatable regenerative systems.

Research Areas: Skeletal Stem Cells, Craniofacial Regeneration, Protein Engineering, Extracellular Matrix / Niche Biology, Osteoimmunology

Publications

  • E. Takematsu, M. Massidda, G. Howe, J. Goldman, P. Felli, L. Mei, G. Callahan, A. D. Sligar, R. Smalling, A. B. Baker, Transmembrane stem factor nanodiscs enhanced revascularization in a hind limb ischemia model in diabetic, hyperlipidemic rabbits, Scientific Reports, 14, 2352, 2024.
  • E. Takematsu, M. Murphy, S. Hou, H. Steininger, A. Alam, T. H. Ambrosi, C. K. F. Chan, Optimizing Delivery of Therapeutic Growth Factors for Bone and Cartilage Regeneration, Gels, Volume 9 Issue 5, 2023.
  • E. Takematsu, M Massidda, J. Auster, P. Chen, S. Srinath, S. Canga, A. Singh, M. Majid, M. Sherman, A. Dunn, A. Graham, P. Martin, A. B. Baker, Transmembrane Stem Cell Factor Protein Therapeutics Enhance Revascularization in Ischemia without Mast Cell Activation, Nature communication, volume 13, Article number: 2497, 2022.
  • E. Takematsu, S. Srinath, M. Sherman, A. K. Dunn, A. Baker, Transmembrane Stem Cell Factor Delivered in Nanocarriers Promotes Angiogenesis in Ischemia Without Mast Cell Activation, Circulation, 42, Suppl_3, A15720-A15720, 2020.
  • E. Takematsu, A. Spencer, J. Auster, P. Chen, A. Graham, P. Martin, and A. B. Baker, Genome Wide Analysis of Gene Expression Changes in Skin from Patients with Type 2 Diabetes, PLoS ONE 15(2): e0225267, 2020.
  • E. Takematsu, K. Noguchi, K. Kuroda, T. Ikoma, M. Niinomi, N. Matsushita, In vivo osteoconductivity of surface modified Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6-Zr alloy with low dissolution of toxic trace elements, PLoS ONE 13(1):e0189967, 2018.
  • E. Takematsu, K. Cho, J. Hieda, M. Nakai, K. Katsumata, K. Okada, M. Niinomi, N. Matsushita. Adhesive strength of bioactive oxide layers fabricated on TNTZ alloy by three different alkali-solution treatments, Journal of Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 61:174-181, 2016.
  • E. Takematsu, K. Katsumata, K. Okada, M. Niinomi, N. Matsushita. Bioactive surface modification of Ti–29Nb–13Ta–4.6 Zr alloy through alkali solution treatments, Materials science and engineering C, Volume 62, 662-667, 2016.

Awards

  • National Institute of Health, Michigan Program for Advancing Cultural Transformation (M-PACT) in Biomedical and Health Sciences, 2026-pres.
  • Trailblazer Award, California Institute of Technology, 2024
  • Cranio-Maxillofacial North America Research Award, AO foundation, 2024
  • John Haddad Young Investigator Award, Advances in Mineral Metabolism-The American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, 2024
  • Translational Stem Cell Award, California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, 2024
  • Young Investigator Award, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, 2023
  • Jump Start Award, Grant Writing Academy, Stanford, 2023
  • Early Career Investigators, Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology Scientific Sessions, American Heart Association, 2019
  • STAR award, Society for Biomaterials, 2019