Grant: Project Grant

Damage to articular cartilage by arthritis or injury is a significant healthcare problem as this tissue cannot repair itself. One potential approach to repair damaged cartilage is to use tissue-engineered cartilage implants. However, despite its great potential, several technical hurdles remain which hinder the efficacy of tissue repair. Recently, we have discovered a novel pathway to improve the growth of engineered cartilage by controlling the way the cells metabolize glucose. Thus, the objective of the proposed study is to harness this effect to create functional engineered cartilage implants suitable for joint repair. In this project, the underlying mechanisms responsible will first be determined and engineered cartilage implants will be created to possess the appropriate structure and properties suitable for implantation. Developed tissue implants will then be assessed in clinically relevant animal models of cartilage repair. Currently, there is no optimal treatment for damaged or diseased cartilage. This research will improve patient quality of life while also reducing healthcare costs associated with conventional therapies. Thus, this project represents a critical step to translate important scientific discoveries to the clinic where, one day it can benefit a significant portion of Canadians. This proposed research also represents a novel, paradigm shifting approach to develop functional engineered cartilage that can be easily produced without the need of sophisticated methods and can be readily adapted to any such approach currently under investigation.