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USC study reveals a protein that keeps people -- and their skeletons -- organized

A new USC study found that the protein Lkb1 promotes orderly skeletal growth and prevents skeletal tumors by controlling the progression of immature cartilage cells. This discovery sheds light on how this protein helps keep people organized, with implications for understanding human diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2013

Prolactin reduces arthritis inflammation

Researchers at National University of Mexico found that prolactin can prevent chondrocyte death and associated cartilage degradation in rheumatoid arthritis models. Prolactin treatment reduced inflammation, bone erosion, joint swelling, and pain in rat models.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2013

Repairing articular cartilage defects with an injectable gel engineered with gene modified BMSCs

A novel thermo-sensitive injectable hydrogel engineered with gene modified bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) successfully repairs articular cartilage defects in rabbits. The study demonstrates the potential of tissue engineering combined with gene therapy for managing defective articular cartilage.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateApr 23, 2013

Cartilage made easy with novel hybrid printer

A novel hybrid printer combines two low-cost fabrication techniques to create cartilage constructs with improved mechanical stability. The printer uses a combination of synthetic and natural materials, allowing for the growth of cells and development of structures typical of elastic cartilage.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiofabrication·DateNov 21, 2012

For the rooster, size matters

Researchers at Linköping University have discovered two 'pleiotropic' genes influencing comb size, bone growth and egg production in domestic chickens. The study reveals the genetic basis for the correlation between comb size and increased egg-laying.

SourceLinköping University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateSep 4, 2012

Physical properties predict stem cell outcome

Researchers at Brown University have discovered that the stiffness, viscosity, and other mechanical properties of adult stem cells can foretell what they will become, enabling a filter to extract needed cells from larger tissue samples. This breakthrough could lead to better healing outcomes in tissue engineering.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2012

Building bone from cartilage

Researchers at UCSF Orthopaedic Trauma Institute have found a promising method to regenerate bone using cartilage grafts, which can integrate with the host bone and vascularize it. This approach could offer an alternative to traditional bone grafting techniques, which can result in poor integration and osteonecrosis.

Engineering cartilage replacements

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University developed a method to engineer cartilage replacements using mesenchymal stem cells and tiny beads filled with growth factor. The new approach showed promising results in creating thicker, stiffer cartilage than previous methods.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateDec 2, 2011

FIFA, ICRS team up to keep soccer players on their feet

A new supplement of Cartilage, published by SAGE, examines the effects of articular cartilage injury and degeneration in soccer players. The supplement provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on cartilage injury, prevention strategies, and treatment options.

SourceSAGE·JournalCartilage·DateNov 11, 2011

NYU Langone experts find MRI techniques can detect early osteoarthritis

Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center have developed advanced MRI techniques that can detect subtle changes in joint cartilage microstructure, allowing for early diagnosis of osteoarthritis. These techniques enable physicians to shift the management of the disease from eventual joint reconstruction to long-term preservation.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateAug 15, 2011

Transforming skin cells into cartilage

Researchers successfully transformed adult mouse skin cells into cartilage-producing cells, paving the way for potential therapy to repair cartilage injuries. The innovative method involves expressing proteins that induce pluripotency and promoting chondrocyte fate in fibroblasts from human skin.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 10, 2011

1 tale told is 2 tails gained

Researchers from Arizona State University are studying Anolis lizards to understand their ability to regenerate tissues, with potential applications in treating human osteoarthritis and spinal cord injuries. The team is using molecular methods and the lizard's genome sequence to identify key genes involved in regeneration.