McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory >
Soslowsky Lab > Transgenic Mouse Models of Tendon and Ligament Structure-Function and Injury-Repair
Transgenic Mouse Models of Tendon and Ligament Structure-Function and Injury-Repair
The overall objective of this area of research is to investigate the relationship between structural organization, composition, and
mechanical function of tendon/ligament for functional tissue engineering, in addition to evaluating the roles of inflammatory cytokines
and small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) in development and in the repair response to tendon injury. This is accomplished through
transgenic and knockout mice, which have alterations or deletions in the specific tendon constituents in question. These
multidisciplinary studies utilize organizational, compositional, and biomechanical assays to provide a comprehensive study. Resulting
data are input into a multiple regression model which serves as a tool for identifying structure-function relationships in addition to
taking into consideration any potential compensatory mechanisms which may be present in genetically engineered mice. These studies are
critical for identifying critical mechanisms driving tissue injury and repair as well as data to guide functional tissue engineering
strategies. Specific, ongoing research in this area includes the following:
- Structure-Function Relationships in Tendon
and Ligament using Transgenic Mouse Models
- The Role of Inflammatory Cytokines in Tendon Healing
- Roles of Decorin and Biglycan in Tendon Repair
- Functional Characterization of Connective Tissues in a Collagen XIV Knockout Mouse
