Imaging and liquid biomarkers in preclinical Osteoarthritis models

The research’s aim for the first project is to identify early structural characteristics of osteoarthritis in cartilage and the aim for the second project is to test if these characteristics can be used to detect joint-protection effects from injectable polymers. For both projects, I will be using microcomputed tomography, to collect high resolution 3D images of cartilage. I will conduct analysis of selective areas on topographic images for quantitative analysis. As a reference, I will quantify metabolic markers for bone and cartilage from serum with ELISA. For the second study I will do tissue processing and participate in disease evaluation of the tissues.
Most of the osteoarthritis therapies are targeted for restoring and maintaining cartilage function. We will test if recently developed injectable polymer has these properties. In addition we will evaluate if structural changes are similar between osteoarthritis models and will provide validity on osteoarthritis therapy development.

Faculty Supervisor:

Frank Beier

Student:

Partner:

University of Oulu

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

Western University

Program: