GOALI: Cartilage Development: Boundary Lubrication

这项研究解决了软骨润滑的一个重要特征，不仅影响了我们对正常组织功能的理解，也影响了其他应该考虑这个问题的组织工程方法。本研究旨在(1)确定和比较牛胎儿和小牛关节软骨润滑性能的分子基础；(2)确定机械负荷是否通过影响Lub/SZP的合成、黏附或丢失来调节胎儿和小牛关节软骨表面黏附的润滑素/表面蛋白(Lub/SZP)的含量。本研究通过生物学、分子和生物力学分析相结合的方法研究正常关节软骨低摩擦表面形成的生物学和工程学机制。实验设计基于令人信服的初步数据，这些数据来自美国国家科学基金会奖BES 9987353支持的先前研究。教育部分为本科生和研究生提供培训，并通过外联活动向7-12年级的学生提供培训。工作活动将利用双方合作伙伴的资源，加强学术界(加州大学圣地亚哥分校)和工业界(Breg，Inc.)之间现有的联系。该项目通过直接邀请本科生和研究生以及行业工程师参与这一目标研究项目，将科学、数学和工程领域的研究、教育和行业整合在一起。该工作计划为迅速发展的组织工程领域的学术界和产业界之间的早期知识和技术转让提供了机会的桥梁。

00439224SahThis investigation addresses an important feature of cartilage lubrication, impacting not only our understanding of normal tissue function but also other tissue-engineered approaches that should consider this issue. The research is (1) to determine and compare the molecular basis for lubrication properties of bovine fetal and calf articular cartilage, and (2) to determine if mechanical loading modulates the content of adherent Lubricin/Superficial Zone Protein (Lub/SZP) at the articular surface of fetal and calf cartilage by affecting Lub/SZP synthesis, adhesion, or loss.This project addresses the biological and engineering mechanisms underlying the development of the low-friction surface of normal articular cartilage through a combination of biological, molecular, and biomechanical analyses. The experimental design is based on compelling preliminary data from prior research supported by NSF award BES 9987353. The educational component provides training to undergraduate and graduate students, and, through outreach activities, to students in grades 7-12.Work activities will enhance an existing liaison between academia (University of California San Diego) and industry (BREG, Inc.), drawing on the resources of both partners. The project integrates research, education, and industry in science, math, and engineering by directly engaging undergraduate and graduate students as well as industry engineers in this GOALI research project. The work plan provides a bridge of opportunity for early transfer of knowledge and technologies between academia and industry in the rapidly developing field of tissue engineering.