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Project

Transcription factor mediated reprogramming of fibroblasts to functional osteochondroprogenitors.

Cells of the body have different functions, for example, the cells of the skin are required to provide a protective barrier to the environment whereas bone cells should form supportive tissues. These alternative functions are achieved through the production of proteins which serve as tools to allow cells to carry out their role. This project aims to transform the cells from the skin, known as fibroblasts, into cells which mediate bone fracture healing, known as osteoblasts and chondrocytes. This will be achieved by engineering fibroblasts to produce alternative proteins thus facilitating a cellular transformation towards osteoblasts and chondrocytes. This would allow the production of a population of cells which can be used for laboratory testing, which will include the investigation into novel drugs that may have applications in enhancing skeletal repair. Additionally, the cell populations will be investigated for their suitability for bone repair strategies by investigation of tissue formation in three dimensional constructs.
Date:1 Oct 2012 →  31 Aug 2013
Keywords:Cellular reprogramming, I vitro tissue models, Seletal research, Tssue engineering
Disciplines:Genetics, Systems biology, Molecular and cell biology