Objective Most joints start off the same during embryonic development, as two opposing cartilage surfaces, and are moulded into the diverse range of shapes seen in the adult in a process known as morphogenesis. While we understand very little of the biological or mechanobiological processes driving joint morphogenesis, there is evidence to suggest that fetal movements play a critical role in joint shape development. Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH), where the hip is partly or fully dislocated, is much more common when the baby’s movement is restricted or prevented. This proposal will determine how mechanical forces influence joint shape morphogenesis, which is of key relevance to neonatal joint conditions such as DDH, to adult joint health and disease, and to tissue engineering of cartilage. A mouse line in which mutant embryos have no skeletal muscle will be studied, providing the first in depth analysis of mammalian joint shape development for normal and abnormal mechanical environments. The mouse line could provide the first mammalian model system for prenatal onset DDH. ‘Passive’ movements of these mutant embryos will then be induced by massage of the mother, and the effects on the joints measured. If the effects on joint shape of absent spontaneous movement are mitigated by the treatment, this technique could eventually be used as a preventative treatment for DDH. Next, an in vitro approach will be used to quantify how much movement is needed for joint shape development. This research will provide an optimised protocol for applying biophysical stimuli to promote cartilage growth and morphogenesis in culture, providing valuable cues to cartilage tissue engineers. Finally, a computational simulation of joint shape morphogenesis will be created, which will integrate the new understanding gained from the experimental research in order to predict how different joints shapes develop in normal and abnormal mechanical environments. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesdevelopmental biologymedical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologytissue engineeringmedical and health sciencesclinical medicineembryology Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-SG-PE8 - ERC Starting Grant - Products and process engineering Call for proposal ERC-2013-StG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Host institution IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE EU contribution € 1 499 501,00 Address SOUTH KENSINGTON CAMPUS EXHIBITION ROAD SW7 2AZ LONDON United Kingdom See on map Region London Inner London — West Westminster Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Shaun Power (Mr.) Principal investigator Niamh Catherine Nowlan (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE United Kingdom EU contribution € 1 499 501,00 Address SOUTH KENSINGTON CAMPUS EXHIBITION ROAD SW7 2AZ LONDON See on map Region London Inner London — West Westminster Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Shaun Power (Mr.) Principal investigator Niamh Catherine Nowlan (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
