Role of adenosine receptor signalling in mechanotransduction in cartilage

Musculoskeletal diseases (e.g. osteoarthritis, osteoporosis) result in significant morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, mechanical loading of musculoskeletal tissues (e.g. cartilage, bone) is known to play a key role in the maintenance of healthy tissue and in the development of disease, but mechanisms are not fully understood.

It has recently been determined that adenosine signalling regulates chondrocyte and cartilage homeostasis. These findings underscore the potential importance of adenosine receptors in regulating cartilage physiology and pathology. However, very little is known of the role of the adenosine signalling cascade in cartilage mechanotransduction.

This project will address these issues using expertise available within the Arthritis Research UK Biomechanics and Bioengineering Centre at Cardiff University. Several models of application of mechanical loading to cartilage cells and tissues are already available within the Centre.

Studies of adenosine signalling in the response of cartilage to mechanical loading will reveal new disease mechanisms leading to novel targets for the prevention and/or treatment of osteoarthritis. A range of methods including immunohistochemistry, quantitative PCR, and application of mechanical load to cells/tissues will be used.