Lumican (LUM) is an extracellular matrix protein modified as a proteoglycan in cartilage tissue. The core protein with leucine-rich repeats, characteristic of the leucine-rich-repeat superfamily, binds collagen fibrils and regulates its structure. However, LUM has also been proposed to interact with cell surface proteins for specific cellular functions. Importantly, LUM has been show to regulate TLR4-activation upon LPS recognition and therefore regulate the innate immune response. Given that LUM expression is disturbed in cartilage during Osteoarthritis (OA), we will study its mediatory role of inflammation in OA and cartilage degradation. A comprehensive understanding of the LUM role in the pathophysiological mechanisms of cartilage degradation in OA will benefit novel tissue engineering strategies and therapies for OA as well as inflammatory-driven joint disorders.
**Prerequisites**
- The ideal candidate should have a basic knowledge in cell culture methods, cell biology and a strong interest in lab work.
- Experience in immunohistochemistry and gene expression techniques is preferred.
Lumican (LUM) is an extracellular matrix protein modified as a proteoglycan in cartilage tissue. The core protein with leucine-rich repeats, characteristic of the leucine-rich-repeat superfamily, binds collagen fibrils and regulates its structure. However, LUM has also been proposed to interact with cell surface proteins for specific cellular functions. Importantly, LUM has been show to regulate TLR4-activation upon LPS recognition and therefore regulate the innate immune response. Given that LUM expression is disturbed in cartilage during Osteoarthritis (OA), we will study its mediatory role of inflammation in OA and cartilage degradation. A comprehensive understanding of the LUM role in the pathophysiological mechanisms of cartilage degradation in OA will benefit novel tissue engineering strategies and therapies for OA as well as inflammatory-driven joint disorders.
**Prerequisites** - The ideal candidate should have a basic knowledge in cell culture methods, cell biology and a strong interest in lab work. - Experience in immunohistochemistry and gene expression techniques is preferred.
The goal of this study is to analyse the gene and protein expression of functional studies using primary chondrocytes and cartilage tissue explants from bovine and human OA cartilage, as well as use reporter cell lines. Frozen tissue will be used to isolate RNA, reverse transcribed and subsequently used for gene expression analysis by qPCR and/or ddPCR. For protein expression analysis, cell culture supernatants will be used for immunoassays and biochemical assays, formalin-fixed samples for immunohistochemistry.
The goal of this study is to analyse the gene and protein expression of functional studies using primary chondrocytes and cartilage tissue explants from bovine and human OA cartilage, as well as use reporter cell lines. Frozen tissue will be used to isolate RNA, reverse transcribed and subsequently used for gene expression analysis by qPCR and/or ddPCR. For protein expression analysis, cell culture supernatants will be used for immunoassays and biochemical assays, formalin-fixed samples for immunohistochemistry.
Gonçalo Barreto, Ph.D. goncalo.barreto@hest.ethz.ch
Cartilage Engineering and Regeneration Laboratory
Department of Health Sciences and Technology
ETH Zurich
HPL, Otto-Stern-Weg7, 8093 Zurich
Gonçalo Barreto, Ph.D. goncalo.barreto@hest.ethz.ch Cartilage Engineering and Regeneration Laboratory Department of Health Sciences and Technology ETH Zurich HPL, Otto-Stern-Weg7, 8093 Zurich