Cartilage End Plate Permeability and Biomechanics
Aaron Fields, Professor
UC San Francisco
Closed. This professor is continuing with Spring 2024 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Fall 2024.
The Orthopaedic Biomechanics and Biotransport Laboratory at UCSF conducts research related to structure-function relationships in musculoskeletal tissues, with a particular focus on the mechanisms of nutrient transport in bone and cartilage and harnessing nutrient transport for tissue repair and regeneration. The lab combines engineering and biology approaches for (1) devise tools and delivery techniques for evaluating the translational potential of spinal therapies; and (2) characterize cartilage endplate composition using contrast-enhanced micro-CT and other biochemistry assays. An overall theme of this work is to address the enzymatic treatment parameters on CEP matrix composition/porosity, permeability, and biomechanical strength. We maintain active collaborations with orthopaedic surgeons, radiologists and industry partners.
Low back pain is the leading cause of disability and is closely linked to disc degeneration. Low cartilage endplate (CEP) permeability limits disc nutrient supply and cell function. Intradiscal biologic therapy is a promising strategy for managing disc degeneration. However, biologic therapies increase disc cellularity and stimulate matrix production, which places greater demands on the limited nutrient supply inside the avascular disc. The premise of this project is that low cartilage endplate (CEP) permeability limits disc nutrient supply and cell function, and that we can increase nutrient supply and thereby improve the efficacy of biologic therapies by enhancing CEP permeability. In this study we aim to measure the effects of enhancing CEP porosity on solute transport into intervertebral discs and to evaluate how far this treatment can affect its strength.
This is a great opportunity for engineering/biology students to learn and apply cutting-edge research tools at the intersection of engineering, biology and medicine.
Role: Specific tasks for the URAP student will include biomechanical testing of the intact intervertebral disc, creep analysis, contrast-enhanced micro-CT image analysis, porosity measurements, biochemistry assays, analyzing the results, and preparing figures for publication. All training will be provided.
Qualifications: Qualifications: The student must be highly motivated and extremely detail-oriented. Background in science/engineering, good problem-solving skills, and excellent communication skills are essential. Experience with Matlab is required. Experience with digital image processing is a bonus. This project is ideal for third-year students. A summer internship in the lab and/or continuation the following year is possible. The lab is located at the UCSF Parnassus campus. The campus is BART/Muni accessible. Work schedule can be tailored to accommodate the student’s course schedule and the commute from Berkeley.
Hours: 9-11 hrs
Off-Campus Research Site: UCSF Parnassus Campus 513 Parnassus Avenue San Francisco, CA 94143
Related website: http://fieldslab.ucsf.edu