Biomaterial technologies for interrogating sex differences in tissue repair and homeostasis
Meniscus Transcriptomics
What is the goal of the study?
The primary goal of our laboratory is to understand what cues are needed to promote regeneration of connective tissue (ligament, cartilage, fibrocartilage) after knee injuries, in order to reduce the onset and progression of osteoarthritis. We have a particular interest on how these cues may differ in male and female athletes. This present research activity aims 1) to determine the mechanical and cell population differences between normal and discoid menisci (tissues that are located in the knee joint), as well as 2) to investigate the individual and combined effects of estrogen and the mechanical microenvironment on meniscal health and regeneration after injury. The use of transcriptomic sequencing as well as our 2D and 3D culture models will be employed to ascertain differences in gene transcription and cell phenotype that play a role in differentiation and homeostasis of the meniscus.
Who can participate in the study?
Individuals of any sex 5-99 years of age Speak and read English fluently (if participant is a pre-literate child, the parent speaks and reads English fluently) Having clinically-indicated surgery for the removal of meniscus, cruciate ligaments, and synovial tissue; or undergoing total knee arthroplasty Patients having clinically-indicated surgery during which meniscus, cruciate ligaments, and synovial tissue will be removed; these are patients with 1) a current meniscal tear or symptomatic discoid meniscus requiring tissue resection or partial meniscectomy, or 2) a current cruciate ligament tear requiring resection, or 3) an indication for a total knee arthroplasty Surgery will create surgical byproducts (tissues) that are not needed and are considered waste materials that would otherwise be discarded. Exclusion: Infected with a virus that would require BSL3 for laboratory work: