Investigating Heparan-Sulfate Binding Growth Factors in Cartilage Injury
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: Interdisciplinary Bioscience DTP
Abstract
Maintaining healthy cartilage is an important endeavour, particularly as articular cartilage has a limited capacity to repair in response to damage. This project aims to investigate the mechanisms behind the release of growth factors from the extracellular matrix of cartilage through an interdisciplinary approach looking at the cellular biology and biophysics of the tissue. The working hypothesis is that injury causes biophysical increases in sodium concentration in cartilage, which dissociates growth factors from their respective interactions with heparan sulfate. Research will focus on hepatoma-derived growth factor, one of the pericellular matrix-sequestered factors, and elucidating its role in cartilage. This fundamental insight into cartilage biology is to be explored with physiologically relevant models through use of primary cells, cartilage tissue and in vivo models and will contribute towards the maintenance of healthy cartilage.
Focus areas: Bioscience for health, Fundamental biology
BfH, ENWW
Focus areas: Bioscience for health, Fundamental biology
BfH, ENWW
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M011224/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
| 1757772 | Studentship | BB/M011224/1 | 01/10/2016 | 31/03/2021 |
| Description | In Vivo Skills Award |
| Amount | £9,613 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2018 |
| Description | Big Bang Fair 2018 - Oxford Medical Sciences / Kennedy Institute Exhibition |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | . The aim of the event is to show young people (aged 7-19) the opportunities and possibilities of science in the real world, and to inspire the younger generation into STEM prospects. Representing the Kennedy Institute and OA Centre, as part of the Medical Sciences division of the University of Oxford, the aim was to explain the work we do looking into the health and mechanisms of cartilage and inspire the young audience by explaining the accessible and rewarding nature of being a scientist, how it can make an impact, and how it is a job that encompasses skills from all aspects of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Our stall included 3D-printed models of a CT scan of the femur with overlying cartilage of a healthy and diseased knee, for interactive demonstrations of the aim to uncover the science behind cartilage health. We also had print-out aids of x-ray images of joints, Molymod molecules and various images of cartilage cells in their surrounding matrix to explain some of the science behind cartilage as a tissue and the joint as an 'organ'. The associated large interactive prop was the mock keyhole surgery knee, where the children could use a camera endoscope and pliers to enter a fake knee and perform a 'surgery', moving small tubes from one side to the other. There was some great feedback, with some supervisors of the schoolchildren coming specifically to our stall after hearing about our work on cartilage. The audience were particularly engaged with the 3D printed bone-cartilage models and the knee surgery interactive props, and gave an introduction and chance for the children to ask subsequent related questions |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | https://www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/ |