"Engineering New Biologic Therapies for Osteoarthritis"

Farshid Guilak, PhD
Laszlo Ormandy Professor and Vice-Chair
Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, and Cell Biology
Duke University Medical Center

Osteoarthritis is a painful and debilitating disease of the joints that is characterized by progressive degeneration of the articular cartilage that lines the joint surfaces.  The etiology of osteoarthritis is poorly understood, although it is now well accepted that biomechanical factors play an important role in the onset and progression of this disease. The primary goal of our studies has been to determine the mechanisms by which mechanical loading affects the physiology of our joints.  Using a hierarchical approach to span different systems, ranging from clinical studies and in vivo animal models to studies at the tissue, cellular, and subcellular scale, we have identified specific mechanical signaling pathways that are critically involved in cartilage physiology, pathology, and mechanically-induced regeneration. These pathways may provide novel pharmacologic targets for the modification of inflammation or cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis.  Additionally, our studies have focused on tissue engineering approaches for repairing cartilage damage with osteoarthritis.  Using textile processes that allow weaving of biomaterial fibers in three dimensions, we have created cell-instructive bioactive scaffolds that can recreate many of the complex biomechanical properties and anatomic features of articular cartilage.  In combination with multipotent adult stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), our work is focusing on developing a tissue-engineering approach for complete resurfacing of osteoarthritic joint surfaces.  Taken together, these studies emphasize the important role of biomechanics and mechanobiology in the health, disease, and regeneration of the joint.

Bob Guldberg, PhD - Faculty host