Skeletal Connective Tissue Biology – MSOS (81)

Topics

• Development, repair, and regeneration of joint cartilage, ligament, and tendon including molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, physiology with respect to chondrocytes, synoviocytes, tenocytes, fibroblasts, and other cell types in joints and supporting tissues.
• Mechanisms of connective tissue patterning, using in vitro, animal, and human models. This includes molecular, cellular, genetic studies in humans and animal models; joint biology; integration of connective tissues; lineage commitment and differentiation; chondrodysplasias.
• Mechanisms of skeletal connective tissue diseases including osteoarthritis, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and tendinitis.
• Characterization of the intrinsic capacity of cartilage, meniscus, tendon and ligament to repair and regenerate.
• Development and application of strategies to enhance repair of cartilage, ligaments, tendons; e.g. use of small molecules, stem cells, gene therapy, biomaterials.
• Structure and organization of matrix components; cell matrix interaction and signaling.
• Application of imaging technologies (e.g., MRI, QCT/μCT, PET/CT, ultrasound) for structural characterization and disease prognostics of cartilage, meniscus, tendon, and ligament.
• Mechanobiology and biomechanics of joints and ligaments.
• Biology and pathology of joint replacement including fixation, osseointegration, wear and loosening.
• Molecular mechanisms of joint pain.