The Mechanical Regulation of Bone Development: Identifying Mechanically Regulated Genes and Conditions for Tissue Regeneration – (Ph.D.)

We can learn how the skeleton is formed from studying events during embryonic development. This knowledge is vital for establishing and refining successful regenerative therapies and maintaining bone into old age.

The task of differentiating stem cells into, and maintaining robust functional tissues depends on our knowledge of how cells respond to their chemical and biophysical environment. Movement of the embryo in the womb is necessary for the formation of normal bones but we don´t know how exactly it impacts the cells.

This project focuses on particular regulatory genes we have identified as responsive (their expression is altered) to mechanical stimuli in the embryo to further investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in the response. It will also attempt to replicate the correct mechanical environment in 3D culture to regenerate functional cartilage and bone tissue. The research combines innovative techniques in molecular developmental biology and bioengineering to address important biomedical questions.