In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

Doctor of Philosophy in Bioinformatics

in the School of Biological Sciences

Paramita Chatterjee
 

Defends her thesis:

Transcriptomics Investigation Of Multi-Site and Multi-Tissue Derived Cell Therapy Products In Clinical Applications for Osteoarthritis

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024

11:30 AM

Krone Engineered Biosystems Building (EBB), CHOA Room 1005

Zoom Link: https://gatech.zoom.us/j/99801248963?pwd=eHlqR0RrN3RIOXA4Ungyd2hkSjR2QT09

Thesis Advisors:

Dr. Greg Gibson, School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology

Dr. Krishnendu Roy, Bruce and Bridgitt Evans Dean of Engineering, Vanderbilt University

Committee Members:

Dr. Peng Qiu, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology

Dr. Saurabh Sinha, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology

Dr. Hicham Drissi, Department of Orthopedics, Emory University

Abstract:

Since 2010, the field of cell therapy has expanded significantly, offering promising treatments for many diseases like cancers and inflammatory conditions. This approach is gaining attention as our understanding of pathologies deepens, revealing variations based on age, gender, and environment. Effective treatment hinges on comprehending the cellular alterations caused by tissue damage.

Osteoarthritis (OA), affecting over 500 million people globally, leads to knee pain, diminished quality of life, and substantial healthcare costs. Despite its widespread occurrence, there are no FDA approved treatments to halt its progression; current therapies only manage symptoms.

This study delves into OA at the single cell level, examining cells from various tissues in patients to explore their response to autologous cell therapy. Collaborating with a major clinical trial, it seeks to elucidate OA's biological mechanisms, understand how it uniquely affects patient cells, pinpoint treatment challenges, and identify new therapeutic targets. Advanced techniques enable comparison between cells from OA patients and non-arthritic to identify similarities and differences.

Investigating how therapeutic cells from different sources function in OA patients, this research aims to pave the way for improved clinical trials and treatments. It represents a move toward improved and targeted cell therapy treatments to meet patient’s needs, thereby improving outcomes for those with OA.