Tissue Engineering of the Synovium

The project focuses on tissue engineering of the synovium, the connective tissue that plays a critical role in the load bearing function of diarthrodial joints. The synovium controls transport of solutes in and out of the joint, and contains cells that produce lubricating agents, as well as stem cells that can participate in joint repair after injury. In the case of arthritis, the synovium releases pro inflammatory cytokines into the joint space that triggers enzymatic degradation of articular cartilage. The student will be performing studies to better understand the underlying structure-function relationships of this specialized connective tissue, using biochemical assays, histological assays, and biomechanical testing.