How cartilage cells respond to their surrounding tissue
Regulation of chondrocyte fate and function by ECM Viscoelasticity
['FUNDING_R01'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11123292
This project explores how the squishiness and stretchiness of cartilage tissue affect the health of cartilage cells, especially in people with osteoarthritis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11123292 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Osteoarthritis impacts movement and function for many adults, and this project aims to understand a new aspect of cartilage health. We are looking at how the "viscoelasticity" – a combination of how stiff and how fluid-like the surrounding tissue is – influences cartilage cells. Our team has found that if the tissue is more viscous and allows cells to expand, it encourages them to produce more healthy cartilage. This work builds on previous findings that only considered tissue stiffness, opening up new ways to think about cartilage health and disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is relevant to adults over 60 years old who are affected by osteoarthritis.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing cartilage-related joint pain or osteoarthritis may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat osteoarthritis by creating better environments for cartilage repair.
How similar studies have performed: Our team's recent findings have shown that tissue viscoelasticity significantly impacts cartilage cell behavior, building on prior work that focused only on tissue elasticity.
Where this research is happening
STANFORD, UNITED STATES
- STANFORD UNIVERSITY — STANFORD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BHUTANI, NIDHI — STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: BHUTANI, NIDHI
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.