Lab — Natalie Reznikov

2020
–
Present Time
6 years

McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada

Assistant Professor

I study structure-function relationships in living organisms (animals and plants), structural water and its role in the architecture and behavior of natural and artificial materials, biomineralization, and novel approaches to 3D imaging and image analysis.
2018
–
2020
2 years

Object Research Systems Inc., Montreal, QC, Canada

Applications Specialist

I designed, assessed and validated novel modules for 3D image analysis for Dragonfly software. I also produced tutorials and educational videos, provided hands-on and online training, troubleshooting and technical support for academic users.
2017
–
2018
1 years

McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Faculty of Dentistry

My project aimed at detecting topological differences of the trabecular bone network in pathological bone samples and comparison of the findings with those of normal trabecular bone to assess skeletal adaptation. This work was based on my original algorithm called Inter-Trabecular Angle analysis. My secondary project was 3D analysis of craniofacial deformations in the rare inherited disease Osteogenesis Imperfecta.
2014
–
2017
3 years

Imperial College London, London, UK

Postdoctoral Research Fellow,
Dept. of Materials, Faculty of Engineering

I developed a biomimetic 3D-printed prosthetic material for repair of large defects of trabecular bone. That novel material mimics bone’s natural shock-absorbing properties as normally found in our joints and vertebrae. Other projects included: Functional adaptation of the human foot bones; Multiscale characterization of heterotopic bone; 3D imaging and analysis of the collagen-mineral interface in bone; 3D characterization of bioglass-bone interface; 3D imaging and quantification of DNA-origami drug carriers.
2010
–
2014
4 years

Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.

PhD, Dept. of Structural Biology

Thesis title: The adaptation of mechanical properties of lamellar bone tissue
I studied the 3D organization of bone collagen – the framework principally responsible for toughness – using volumetric imaging obtained from dual-beam microscopy (FIB-SEM), and the topology of trabecular bone tissue imaged by µCT.
2006
–
2008
2 years

Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.

MSc, Dept. of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry

Thesis title: Frictional properties of various types of orthodontic brackets
This work focused on the mechanics of fixed orthodontic appliances and their surface characterization in simulated pseudo-clinical situations.

1. Khurshid B, Mousa A, Dallas SL, Deering J, Reznikov N, McKee MD.

Trabecular bone formation in vitro by the OmGFP66 osteogenic cell line.

Bone, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bone.2025.117767

2. Bromage TG, Denys C, De Jesus CL, Erdjument-Bromage H, Kullmer Schrenk F, McKee MD, Reznikov N, Ittah E, Buss DJ, Ashley GM, Sandrock O, Pudel SB, Yakar S, Hu B, Rabieh S, Neubert TA.

Fossil mammalian bone paleometabolomes yield metabolic and ecologic profiles.

Nature. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09843-w

3. Deering J, Buss DJ, Murshed M, Reznikov N, McKee MD.

Local fibril orientation guides mineral growth direction and morphology in collagenous matrices: A study of parallelism in bone, cartilage, enthesis fibrocartilage, calcifying tendon and dentin.

ACS Nano, https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.5c11922

4. Jia S, Piché N, McKee MD, Reznikov N.

Advancing X-ray micro-computed tomography image processing of avian eggshells: An improved registration metric for multiscale 3D images and resolution-enhanced segmentation using edge-attentive neural networks.

Micron. 199:103915. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micron.2025.103915

5. Rudski BZ, Deering J, Reznikov N.

The Anisotropy Vector Rose: A new package for analysing and visualising 3D non-unit vectors in Python.

J Open Source Software, 2025, 10(111):8369 https://doi.org/10.21105/joss.08369

6. Nelea V, Ittah E, McKee MD, Reznikov N.

Bone mineral tessellation: Visualization by atomic force microscopy of the volume-filling mineralization pattern in hydrated and dehydrated states.

Acta Biomaterialia. 2025 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2025.05.016

7. Khurshid B, Benchetrite A, Guichaoua L, Brodusch N, Stewart BD, Kröger R, Gauvin R, Mallet M, Tremblay R, Reznikov N

Investigating temperature influences on shell growth and microstructural variations in Bay scallops: Insights from multiscale microscopy

Faraday Discussions 2025 https://doi.org/10.1039/D5FD00023H

8. Guichaoua L, Reznikov N, Stewart BD, Kröger R, Gauvin R

Combined crystallographic study of king scallop (Pecten maximus) shells using SEM, EBSD and Raman spectroscopy

Faraday Discussions 2025 https://doi.org/10.1039/D5FD00029G

9. Deering J, Buss DJ, Kröger R, Vali H, Lagos MJ, Reznikov N, McKee MD

Bone mineralization and the effects of elevated osteopontin: From symmetry-breaking foci to 3D space-filling tessellation

Faraday Discussions 2025 https://doi.org/10.1039/D5FD00013K

10. Buss DJ, Deering J, Reznikov N, McKee MD

Understanding the structural biology of osteomalacia through multiscale 3D X-ray and electron tomographic imaging: A review of X-linked hypophosphatemia, the Hyp mouse model, and imaging methods.

J Bone Miner Res Plus, 2025 (special issue on rare bone diseases), 9(2): ziae176. https://doi.org/10.1093/jbmrpl/ziae176 (Cover article)

11. Reznikov N

Editorial [for paper of the year 2022] for Buss et al., “Hierarchical organization of bone in three dimensions; a twist of twists”

J Struct Biol: X, 2024(10):100116 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yjsbx.2024.100116

12. Reznikov N

The Stenciling Principle for extracellular matrix mineralization. Textbook Sub-Chapter in: Ten Cate's Oral Histology: Development, Structure, and Function (10th edition)

Author/Editor Antonio Nanci. Elsevier. ISBN-13 978-0323798952 https://shop.elsevier.com/books/ten-cates-oral-histology/nanci/978-0-323-79895-2#full-description

13. Halgrain M, Schneider MA, Jia S, Narcy A, Gambier E, Hincke MT, McKee MD, Rehault-Godbert S, Reznikov N

A 3D micro-computed tomography study comparing embryonic skeletal development in layer versus broiler strains of the domestic chicken

Poultry Science, 2024, 103(12):104308 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2024.104308

14. Rodriguez-Navarro AB, Dominguez-Gasca N, Athanasiadou D, Le Roy N, Reznikov N, Gonzalez-Segura A, Hincke MT, McKee MD, Nys Y, Gautron J

Guinea fowl eggshell structural analysis at different scales reveals how organic matrix induces microstructural shifts that enhance its mechanical properties

Acta Biomater, 2024, 178:244-256 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2024.03.001

15. Grass D, Malek G, Taieb H, Ittah E, Richard H, Reznikov N, Laverty S

Characterization and quantification of in-vitro equine bone resorption in 3D using microcomputed tomography (µCT) and deep learning-aided feature segmentation

Bone, 2024, 185:117131 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bone.2024.117131

16. Daniel J Buss, Natalie Reznikov, Marc D McKee

Attaching organic fibers to mineral: The case of the avian eggshell

iScience, 2023 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2023.108425

17. Daniel J Buss, Katya Rechav, Natalie Reznikov, Marc D McKee

Mineral tessellation in mouse enthesis fibrocartilage, Achilles tendon, and Hyp calcifying enthesopathy: A shared 3D mineralization pattern

Bone, 2023 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bone.2023.116818

18. McKee MD, Buss DJ, Reznikov N.

Mineral tessellation in bone and the stenciling principle for extracellular matrix mineralization

J Struct Biol, 2022, 214(1):107823 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsb.2021.107823

19. Reznikov N, Liang H, McKee MD, Piché N.

Mapping of trabecular bone anisotropy and volume fraction in 3D using µCT images of the human calcaneus

Am J Biol Anthrop, 2022 https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.24474

20. Buss DJ, Kroeger R, McKee MD, Reznikov N.

Hierarchical organization of bone in three dimensions: A twist of twists

J Struct Biol: X, 2022(6):100057 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yjsbx.2021.100057

21. Alsheghri A*, Reznikov N*, Piché N, Gendron M, Tamimi Marino F, Song J.

Optimization of 3D network topology for bioinspired design of stiff and lightweight bone-like structures

Mat Sci Eng: C, 2021, 112010 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msec.2021.112010 * equally contributing authors.

22. Reznikov N, Buss DJ, Provencher B, McKee MD, Piché N.

Deep learning and 3D imaging in structural biology. Review

J Struct Biol, 2020: 107598 (invited from conference selection, special issue) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsb.2020.107598

23. Buss DJ, Reznikov N, McKee MD.

Crossfibrillar mineral tessellation in normal and Hyp mouse bone as revealed by 3D FIB-SEM microscopy

J Struct Biol, 2020: 108603 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsb.2020.107603

24. Reznikov N, Hoac B, Buss DJ, Addison WN, Barros NMT, McKee MD.

Biological stenciling of mineralization in the skeleton: Local enzymatic removal of inhibitors in the extracellular matrix.

Bone, 2020 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bone.2020.115447 (cover article)

25. Athanasiadou D, Jiang W, Reznikov N, Rodriguez-Navarro AB, Kroeger R, Bilton M, Nelea V, Hu Y, McKee MD.

Nanostructure of mouse otoconia

J Struct Biol, 2020, 210(2):107489. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsb.2020.107489

26. Reznikov N, Rechav K.

FIB-SEM dual-beam microscopy for three-dimensional ultrastructural imaging of skeletal tissues. Methodological insert in Comparative skeletal histology and paleohistology. Editors : A. de Ricqlès, L. Zylberberg, K. Padian and V. de Buffrénil

CRC Press (Francis and Taylor Group) (invited book chapter). (in press)

27. Reznikov N, Alsheghri A, Piche N, Gendron M, Morozova I, Sanchez Siles JM, Gonzalez-Quevedo D, Tamimi Marino I, Song J, Tamimi Marino F.

The topological blueprint of trabecular bone associates with skeletal pathology in humans

Bone Reports, 2020 12:100264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bonr.2020.100264

28. Reznikov N, Dagdeviren D, Tamimi Marino F, Glorieux F, Rauch F, Retrouvey JM.

Cone-beam computed tomography of Osteogenesis Imperfecta types III and IV: Three-dimensional evaluation of craniofacial features and upper airways

J Bone Miner Res Plus, 2019, 3(6): https://doi.org/10.1002/jbm4.10124

29. Autefage H, Allen F, Tang HM, Kallepitis C, Gentleman E, Reznikov N, Nitiputri K, Nommeots-Nomm A, O’Donnell MD, Lange C, Seidt BM, Kim TB, Lee PD, Pierce BF, Wagermaier W, Fratzl P, Goodship A, Jones JR, Blunn G, Stevens MM.

Multiscale analyses reveal native-like lamellar bone repair and near perfect bone-contact with porous strontium-loaded bioactive glass.

Biomaterials, 2019, 209:152-162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.03.035

30. Ghouse S, Reznikov N, Boughton O, Babu S, Ng G, Blunn G, Cobb J, Stevens MM, Jeffers J.

The design and in vivo testing of a locally stiffness-matched porous scaffold

Applied Materials Today, 2019, 15:377-388. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmt.2019.02.017

31. Reznikov N, Boughton O, Ghouse S, Blunn G, Weston A, Collinson L, Jeffers J, Cobb J, Stevens M.

Individual response variations in scaffold-guided bone regeneration are determined by independent strain- and injury-induced mechanisms

Biomaterials, 2019, 194: 183-194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.11.026

32. Reznikov N, Bilton M, Lari L, Stevens MM, Kroeger R.

Fractal-like hierarchical organization of bone begins at the atomic level

Science, 2018, 360: eaao2189. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aao2189

33. Silvent J, Akiva A, Brumfeld V, Reznikov N, Rechav K, Yaniv K, Addadi L, Weiner S.

Embryogenic zebrafish skeleton development: high resolution micro-CT imaging for phenotype identification

PLoS ONE, 2017; 12(12): e0177731 https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0177731

34. Rowan S, Chang M-L, Reznikov N, Taylor A.

Disassembly of the lens fiber cell nucleus to create a clear lens: The p27 descent

Exper Eye Res, 2017; 156:72-78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exer.2016.02.011

35. Ben-Zvi Y*, Reznikov N*, Shahar R, Weiner S.

3D architecture of trabecular bone in the pig mandible and femur: Inter-trabecular angle distributions

Front Mater (Special Issue: Computed Tomography-Based Biomaterials), 2017 https://doi.org/10.3389/fmats.2017.00029

36. Reznikov N, Phillips C, Cooke M, Garbout A, Ahmed F, Stevens MM.

Functional adaptation of the calcaneus in historical foot binding

J Bone Miner Res, 2017, 32(9):1915-1925 https://doi.org/10.1002/jbmr.3185 (cover article, and received American Society for Bone and Mineral Research / Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Raisz-Drezner Award)

37. Kim E, Zwi-Dantsis L, Reznikov N, Hansel CS, Agarwal S, Stevens MM.

One-pot synthesis of multiple protein-encapsulated DNA flowers and their application in intracellular protein delivery

Adv Mater, 2017, 29:1701086 https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201701086

38. Reznikov N, Steele JAM, Fratzl P, Stevens MM.

A materials science vision of extracellular matrix mineralization

Nature Reviews Mater, 2016:16041. https://doi.org/10.1038/natrevmats.2016.41

39. Reznikov N, Chase H, Ben Zvi Y, Tarle V, Singer M, Brumfeld V, Shahar R, Weiner S.

Intertrabecular angle: a new topological parameter of trabecular bone architecture in the human proximal femur

Acta Biomater, 2016; 44:65-72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2016.08.040

40. Reznikov N, Chase H, Brumfeld V, Shahar R, Weiner S.

The 3D Structure of the collagen fibril network in human trabecular bone: relation to trabecular organization

Bone, 2015; 71:189-195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bone.2014.10.017

41. Atkins A, Reznikov N, Ofer L, Masic A, Weiner S, Shahar R.

The three-dimensional structure of anosteocytic lamellated bone of fish

Acta Biomater, 2015; 13:311-323. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2014.10.025

42. Reznikov N, Shahar R, Weiner S.

Bone hierarchical structure in three dimensions

Acta Biomater, 2014; 10:3815-3826. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2014.05.024

43. Almany-Magal R, Reznikov N, Shahar R, Weiner S.

Three-dimensional structure of minipig fibrolamellar bone: adaptation to axial loading

J Struct Biol, 2014; 186:253-264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsb.2014.03.007

44. Reznikov N, Shahar R, Weiner S.

Three-dimensional structure of human lamellar bone: the presence of two different materials and new insights into the hierarchical organization

Bone, 2014; 59:93-104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bone.2013.10.023

45. Reznikov N, Almany-Magal R, Shahar R, Weiner S.

Three-dimensional imaging of collagen fibril organization in rat circumferential lamellar bone using a dual beam electron microscope reveals ordered and disordered sub-lamellar structures

Bone, 2013; 52:676-683. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bone.2012.10.034

46. Faingold A, Cohen S, Reznikov N, Wagner DH.

Osteonal lamellae elementary units: lamellar microstructure, curvature and mechanical properties

Acta Biomater, 2013; 9:5956-5962. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2012.11.032

47. Reznikov N, Barkana I, Abed Y, Har-Zion G, Redlich M.

Measurement of friction forces between stainless steel wires and "reduced-friction" self-ligating brackets

Am J Orth Dent Orthop, 2010; 138:330-338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajodo.2008.07.025

48. Reznikov N, Barkana I, Abed Y, Har-Zion G, Redlich M.

Influence of friction resistance on expression of superelastic properties of initial NiTi wires in "reduced friction" and conventional bracket systems

J Dent Biomech, 2010; 1:613142. https://doi.org/10.4061/2010/613142

Bone mineral patterning in the osteomalacic Hyp mouse

Microscale 3D reconstruction of bone mineral patterning at the microscale in the osteomalacic Hyp mouse, a frequently used animal model for the rare bone and tooth disease X-linked hypophosphatemia. The image shows a small volume of bone in the region of the mineralization front as obtained from focused ion beam - scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) tomography. After software segmentation of individual, micrometer-sized packets of bone mineral that are called tesselles and which normally pack closely to one another in a pattern called crossfibrillar mineral tessellation, in the osteomalacic Hyp mice there is a delay and incompleteness in the space-filling tessellation. This defective patterning of mineral is associated with soft bone and bone deformities.

Quantitative 3D analysis of bone resorption events

3D Multiscale imaging of Enthesis

Bone mineral crystallites. Scanning transmission electron tomography, 3D segmentation followed by watershed transform.

The cover refers to the article “Deep learning for 3D imaging and image analysis in biomineralization research” https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsb.2020.107598 by Reznikov et al. in this issue of Journal of Structural Biology.

Tessellation of micrometer-sized, irregular mineral ellipsoids in the extracellular matrix of bone is a unique functional arrangement within its structural hierarchy. FIB-SEM serial-surface-view imaging.

Ions such as calcium and phosphate are used in myriad key metabolic processes, and are central to life itself. However, their abundance and propensity to adversely precipitate as mineral requires a generalized inhibition. Selective removal of such inhibition (“inhibiting the inhibitor”) to allow mineralization can be used to define the size, shape and layout of an organism (from in utero through to adulthood). As part of this process there is the third tier of mineralization regulation – the fine interfacial enzyme-stenciling control that provides refinement for mechanical resilience, metabolic responsiveness, morphological precision and sensitivity to loading, to name a few, that apparently can distinguish life from death, and health from disease.

Vortex by Object Research Systems. This image shows the interior of a proximal femur of a sheep. The specimen was imaged usingmicro-computed tomography, and then surface-rendered using Dragonfly software. The spiraling orientation of the trabecular trusses, andthe transition of trabecular texture from a robust to a delicate fabric, create an impression of a dynamic vortex within the bone’s interior.

Golden Lotus. Top panels: three-dimensional reconstruction by micro-computed tomography of a bound foot (museum specimen, the Royal College of Surgeons, London, UK) showing anatomical structure and relationships for both soft tissues (orange) and skeletal elements (yellow). Bottom left: close-up view of the left foot of a 75 year old woman who had her feet deformed at the age of 7 years. Courtesy of Jo Farrell (Jo Farrell Photography, http://www.livingherstoryphotography.com). Bottom right: an embroidered “Golden Lotus” shoe occasionally worn by a woman having bound feet (courtesy of the Museums at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, UK).

Vinay Ashok Kumar

The intricate interplay between craniofacial biomechanics and muscle dysfunction drives my research. With a background in dentistry and surgical expertise, I focus on the debilitating effects of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) on the jaw, facial muscles, and dentition. My current work at the Reznikov lab explores a non-invasive treatment for bruxism and TMD using an innovative oscillating device designed by Prof. Reznikov and team to modulate muscle tone and alleviate pain. By integrating principles from biomechanics and clinical practice, I aim to advance therapeutic interventions that enhance patient quality of life.

Eran Ittah

Water is crucial for protein structure and, by extension, life itself. Its role extends beyond cellular-level functions, influencing how animals adapt through evolutionary changes in connective tissues like skin, scales, bone, and corneas. My research focuses on understanding the complex chemistry and physics governing hydrated interfaces in animal connective tissues, aiming to design materials for practical applications by leveraging similar interactions.

Shumeng Jia

I used to be an electrical and control system engineer before joining this group, but now I'm working as a “cyber archeologist” with my coding skills. My research focuses on the quality optimization on both resolution scale and volume scale of 3D computed tomography images using deep learning tools. We scan avian eggs from natural history museum collections and from breeders, as well as ancient Egyptian animal mummies from the World Cultures collection of the Redpath Museum, McGill.

Benjamin Rudski

I am a PhD candidate in the Quantitative Life Sciences (QLS) program. My research centres on quantitatively understanding functional adaptation in bone using trabecular anisotropy. I seek to understand the relationship between physiologic loading and bone architecture.

Mahdi Hosseinitabatabaei

Having received training as a mechanical engineer, my research focus has evolved over the years to center around enhancing the reliability—specifically precision and accuracy—of computed tomography (CT) imaging through the application of diverse image processing techniques. Leveraging advancements in deep learning, the aim of my postdoctoral research is to solve the dilemma of choosing between resolution and field-of-view in dental cone beam CT imaging such that a large volume with rich structural context can be achieved without sacrificing the image resolution.

Alexandre Demers-Potvin

I am a new postdoctoral researcher in the Reznikov Lab with a background in paleontology following the completion of a Master’s and of a PhD in Prof. Hans Larsson’s lab in McGill University’s Department of Biology. After spending much of my PhD making 3D reconstructions of animal skeletons through surface scanning and of entire fossil-rich rock outcrops through photogrammetry, I will direct my attention towards the segmentation of several CT scans of biological and archeological specimens from McGill museum collections. My ultimate objective is to display those segmented and annotated scans within a virtual reality museum that I will design as part of this project.

Alumni

Benazir Khurshid

I am Benazir, a marine biologist from Université de Bourgogne and Synchrotron-Soleil. My research journey unfolded by unveiling the complex structure of a mollusc shell and red corals, employing a different microscopic techniques and biochemical analyses. As a postdoctoral fellow, I worked on understanding the effect of water temperature and pollution on the structure of bay scallop shells.

Lovéni Hanumunthadu

I am Lovéni, a former master's student in the Biological and Biomedical Engineering program at McGill. I had been in Natalie’s research group since my undergraduate studies, working on unveiling essential features for the intriguing mechanical properties of 3D tessellations in the bone hierarchical structure. My research project focused on parametric modelling, additive manufacturing and finite element analysis.

Arnaud Benchetrite

I admire nature and how its structures and processes at one scale resonate across different scales, just like how tiny coral bits become vast sand beaches! I am Arnaud, a former undergraduate bioengineering student from Guadeloupe. I worked in Natalie’s lab for multiple projects including imaging of mollusk shells using scanning electron microscopy, training of a deep learning image segmentation models, design of laboratory experiments, review and classification of undergraduate students’ essays, and as a course assistant!

Hubert Taïeb

Coming from Marseille, France, I obtained a PhD at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces and the Technical University of Berlin, Germany. With my background in image acquisition and image processing, I then went on to a Mitacs postdoctoral position between the Reznikov Lab and Comet Technologies Canada, Inc. (creators of the Dragonfly software), where I built pretrained universal deep learning neural networks for segmentation of 3D images of bone and teeth. I am passionate about food, from eating it to scanning it with µCT.