How mechanical forces shape meniscus cells and knee function during development
Mechanical Regulation of Cell Fate and Multi-Scale Function in the Developing Meniscus
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11143925
This work looks at whether forces inside and around cells guide meniscus formation and help keep adult meniscus healthy, with the goal of informing better treatments for people with knee injuries.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11143925 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project explores how cell-generated tension and cellular sensing of mechanical forces control how meniscus cells form, organize, and maintain the tissue over time. The team will use timed genetic removal of key force-generating proteins (non-muscle myosins Myh9 and Myh10) in meniscus progenitor cells at specific developmental windows and examine the consequences. They will combine chromatin accessibility assays (ATAC-seq), atomic force microscopy to measure tissue mechanics, and biospecimen analyses to link gene regulation with structure and function. Results aim to reveal the mechano-epigenetic timing and mechanisms that could guide future regenerative therapies for meniscus injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with meniscus tears, persistent knee pain from meniscal injury, or who are interested in regenerative knee therapies would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People with advanced end-stage knee osteoarthritis or unrelated musculoskeletal conditions may not see direct benefit from this early-stage, lab-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to repair or regenerate torn meniscus tissue by targeting the mechanical signals that direct cell behavior.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies, including the team's earlier work, have shown mechanical forces shape meniscus development, but translating these findings into proven patient treatments remains at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MAUCK, ROBERT L — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: MAUCK, ROBERT L
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.