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Mechanobiology of Proprioceptive Regulation of Bone and Joint Morphogenesis

Objective

Physiological movement, including movement before birth (fetal movement), is necessary for maintaining a proper mechanical environment which will facilitate musculoskeletal development. Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition which can result due to abnormal loading either before or after birth. With DDH, the acetabular socket is often shallow causing an improper fit of the femoral head within the socket, leading to hip instability or even dislocation. DDH is the most commonly abnormal joint in new-born babies, with an incidence of 4.9 out of 1000. However, it is not known why the hip, more than any other joint in the body, is so dependent on movements and mechanical stimulation for its normal development. Recent studies on the proprioceptive system (the neuromuscular sensory receptors responsible for registering position and movement of body parts) have indicated a key role in skeletogenesis. Disruption of the proprioceptive system in mice through knocking out Runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3 KO) has been found to cause gait ataxia, spinal scoliosis and fracture misalignment. Excitingly, unpublished data from the same animal model has indicated that hip dysplasia consistently occurs in these mice, with all other synovial joints forming normally. It is hypothesised that the hip joint abnormalities arise as a direct effect of the abnormal mechanical environment due to abnormal gait. Therefore, this model system offers a unique opportunity to reveal how movement shapes the developing joint, and in particular, why the hip joint is more dependent on normal movements than any other joint. Therefore, this project will potentially reveal new insights into the causes and aetiology of DDH.

Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2017

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Coordinator

IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 183 454,80
Address
SOUTH KENSINGTON CAMPUS EXHIBITION ROAD
SW7 2AZ London
United Kingdom

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Region
London Inner London — West Westminster
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 183 454,80
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