Objective Embryonic joint development is a complex process with several distinct stages. The first step occurs in the cartilage anlage, where chondrocytes at the presumptive joint site stop proliferating and become compacted to form what is called the interzone. From the interzone, the synovial cavity develops. Once the cavity has been initiated, the surfaces of the opposing cartilage rudiments undergo gradual shape morphogenesis so that the ends of the two bones form a functioning, friction-minimising contact surface, i.e. a synovial joint. It has been shown that mechanical forces are essential for normal cavitation of the joint, while it is not yet clear whether mechanical forces are an essential influence for moulding of the articular surfaces. If embryos are immobilised prior to cavitation, the process does not occur, while if immobilisation is induced after the cavity has formed, the cavity regresses and the elements can become fused. In this application, I propose a computational simulation of joint development, modelling cavitation of the joint and morphogenesis of the articular surfaces based on the interactions between mechanical and biological factors. The aims of the project are to 1) characterise the developing joint in 3-D in the embryonic chick; 2) calculate the forces and biophysical stimuli active in the joint over several stages; 3) create 2-D model of simple joint, 4) alter mechanical state to corroborate model predictions; 5) investigate mechanosensitive molecules and genes, and 6) upgrade model to 3-D. Such a simulation will lead to a better understanding of joint development which would have significant consequences for medical applications such as osteoarthritis and tissue engineering. This project will enable me to become an expert at the interface between developmental biology and bioengineering, and equip me to become a successful researcher and principal investigator as a specialist in the mechanobiology of the developing limb. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesdevelopmental biologymedical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologytissue engineeringmedical and health sciencesclinical medicineembryology Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008 - Marie Curie Action: "Intra-European Fellowships for Career Development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinator FUNDACIO CENTRE DE REGULACIO GENOMICA EU contribution € 153 535,05 Address CARRER DOCTOR AIGUADER 88 08003 Barcelona Spain See on map Region Este Cataluña Barcelona Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Stefan Pönisch (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
