Presidential Young Investigators Award

这项拟议的研究旨在了解控制软骨对外部机械力的反应的因素。软骨的重塑，就像骨骼的重塑，是一种非常复杂的反应，除了物理力量外，还涉及各种化学因素。PI将结合工程学、生物物理学、以及细胞和分子生物学，研究细胞如何调节组织组成和材料特性。这项工作将包括使用核磁共振波谱和成像技术来评估生化和机械状态软骨的部分。这些基础生物工程研究将导致对结缔组织重塑的更好理解，最终应该会产生更好的诊断和治疗技术。

The proposed research is directed to understanding the factors that govern the response of cartilage to external mechanical forces. The remodeling of cartilage, like that of bone, is a very complex response that involves a variety of chemical factors in addition to the physical forces. The PI will combine techniques of engineering, biophysics, and cellular and molecular biology to study how cells regulate tissue composition and material properties. The work will include the use of NMR spectroscopy and imaging techniques for the evaluation of the biochemical and mechanical states of cartilage. These basic bioengineering studies will result in a better understanding of the remodeling of connective tissue, and should eventually result in better diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.