Integrating mechanics and physiology to define form and function of the intervertebral disc

结合力学和生理学来定义椎间盘的形式和功能

• 批准号: 418655-2012
• 负责人: Gregory, Diane
• 金额: $ 2.19万
• 依托单位: Wilfrid Laurier University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2015
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2015-01-01 至 2016-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=573771
• 关键词: Integrating; mechanics; physiology; define; form

The spine is a complex composite structure intricately comprised of various biological tissues. Specific tissues include tendons, ligaments, bone, and the uniquely designed intervertebral disc (IVD). These tissues, along with muscles and nerves, must work together to provide both flexibility and support in the spine. Damage to any of these structures can result in impairment and dysfunction of the spine and could lead to low back pain. Low back pain is experienced by 80% of the Canadian population at some point in their lives and can be extremely debilitating affecting all aspects of life. This proposal aims to uncover the basic mechanisms of IVD plasticity by examining its form (extracellular matrix, protein composition, cellular content) and function (mechanical properties, ability to resist damage) and how these two properties are intimately linked. Specific questions addressed by the research conducted as part of this proposal will include 1) How does the IVD become damaged? 2) If the IVD is already damaged, how does this affect subsequent tissue breakdown? 3) How do individual components of the IVD adapt to high demanding scenarios to prevent damage? What proteins and cells contribute to this adaptation? Emphasis will be placed on understanding links between mechanical exposures and biological responses in the IVD in order to recognize the association between form and function of this unique structure. Further, natural progressive breakdown of the IVD, or IVD degeneration, will be extensively examined in order to gain further information about this common, yet often debilitating, disorder that occurs with age. The fundamental goal of this research is to determine the intricate relationship between the mechanical and physiological environment of the spine in order to understand how the spine adapts or becomes injured.

脊柱是由各种生物组织错综复杂地组成的复杂复合结构。 特定组织包括肌腱、韧带、骨和独特设计的椎间盘（IVD）。 这些组织，沿着肌肉和神经，必须共同工作，以提供脊柱的灵活性和支撑。任何这些结构的损伤都可能导致脊柱损伤和功能障碍，并可能导致腰痛。 下背痛是经历了80%的加拿大人口在他们的生活中的某个时候，可以非常衰弱影响生活的各个方面。该提案旨在通过检查其形式（细胞外基质，蛋白质组成，细胞内容物）和功能（机械性能，抗损伤能力）以及这两种性能如何密切相关来揭示IVD可塑性的基本机制。作为本提案一部分进行的研究所解决的具体问题将包括1）IVD如何受损？2)如果IVD已经损坏，这会如何影响随后的组织分解？3)IVD的各个组件如何适应高要求场景以防止损坏？什么样的蛋白质和细胞有助于这种适应？重点将放在理解机械暴露和生物反应之间的联系，在IVD，以认识到这种独特的结构的形式和功能之间的关联。 此外，将广泛检查IVD的自然进行性分解或IVD变性，以获得有关这种常见但通常使人衰弱的疾病的进一步信息。这项研究的基本目标是确定脊柱的机械和生理环境之间的复杂关系，以了解脊柱如何适应或受伤。