Dr. Clifford Rosen is a distinguished endocrinologist and internationally recognized authority in bone metabolism and skeletal biology research. He currently serves as Director of Clinical and Translational Research and Senior Scientist at MaineHealth Institute for Research, where he leads a prominent research program focused on bone health and disease mechanisms. Dr. Rosen holds a professorship at Tufts University School of Medicine, bridging clinical practice with cutting-edge scientific investigation. He received his medical degree from State University of New York at Syracuse in 1975 and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Berkshire Medical Center, subsequently becoming board certified in both Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism.
Dr. Rosen's pioneering research has fundamentally advanced our understanding of mesenchymal stem cell fate determination, particularly the critical balance between adipocyte and osteoblast differentiation in bone marrow. His laboratory has produced seminal work on the relationship between marrow adipogenesis and osteoblastogenesis, revealing key mechanisms that contribute to age-related bone loss and osteoporosis. With an impressive publication record exceeding 369 peer-reviewed manuscripts, his work spans both basic bone biology and clinical applications, establishing him as a preeminent figure in metabolic bone disease research. His laboratory developed and validated innovative methodologies including osmium microCT for precise quantitation of marrow fat in mouse models, significantly advancing bone research techniques. For more than two decades, Dr. Rosen has maintained continuous NIH funding, currently overseeing multiple projects focused on lineage allocation and its pathological alterations in skeletal disorders.
Dr. Rosen has demonstrated exceptional leadership as past president of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (2002-2003) and current Chair of the Clinical Trials Review Panel for NIAMS, shaping research directions for the entire field. He serves in prestigious editorial roles including Associate Editor for the New England Journal of Medicine and Editor-in-Chief of The Primer in Metabolic Bone Diseases, influencing scientific discourse at the highest levels. His expertise is further recognized through membership on the FDA Endocrinologic and Metabolic Diseases Advisory Committee and various Institute of Medicine committees. Dr. Rosen has overseen numerous phase II and III clinical trials, successfully translating basic discoveries into potential therapeutic interventions for bone diseases. His current research continues to explore the metabolic regulation of marrow stromal cells with the goal of developing novel approaches to prevent and treat age-related skeletal disorders, positioning him at the forefront of geroscience research in bone health.
