Institution: The University of Oxford
Investigators: Miss Cynthia Chang, Dr Philippa Hulley
Stream: PhD
Topic: Biology
Status: Live
Distraction osteogenesis is a common surgical procedure for bone lengthening, with a variety of applications. Nevertheless, little is known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for the resultant de novo bone formation. The authors are involved in a collaborative project to address this knowledge gap with a multi-pronged approach.
The unique mechanical and biological environment within the regenerating gap in distraction osteogenesis (DO) drives the events that produce new bone, but the specifics of this process are still largely unknown. We hypothesise that mechanical stimulation in DO activates bone cells such that their biological state enhances the osteognic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) through soluble signals. To test this hypothesis, an in vitro loading system that mimics the biomechanics of DO will be developed to mechanically stimulate osteoblasts.
The work proposed here has great potential in the field of orthopaedics and tissue engineering. The mouse microarray studies have already shed light on several of the complicated processes involved in DO. Together with the in vitro studies, the project will provide a better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this method of de novo bone generation. Possible therapies for improving or speeding up the distraction process may be identified. The improved understanding of bone cell function may also have implications for treating other orthopaedic disorders or dieases, such as osteoporosis.
« Back to research projects
