The Kean Cell and Tissue Engineering lab is investigating methods to optimize cartilage growth and regeneration in both tissue culture and animal models. This research is crucial because arthritis is a major healthcare burden and a severely debilitating disease. Engineered cells expressing luciferase reporters, which activate when cartilage-specific genes are expressed, are used to optimize culture conditions for achieving physiological stiffness. Mouse models are then used to assess in vivo cartilage regeneration, repair and treatment, providing a more comprehensive understanding of tissue responses. Additionally, 3D printing and bioprinting techniques are utilized to create anatomically shaped tissues, which are tested for compatibility and function in vitro. The overall goal of these studies is to improve current culture techniques, develop more effective drugs, and ultimately create biological replacement tissues. Students will be actively involved in these projects, assisting in general lab duties and learning the principles of research design, execution, analysis and presentation.
Project Dates
Start Date: 1/8/2024 - End Date: 4/28/2024
Students Needed
Type of Project
Individual
Student Responsibilities
Upon joining the research project, students will be trained in: • sterile culture techniques for mammalian cell culture of primary cells and cell lines • lab automation and high-throughput analysis • cartilage tissue engineering; • animal models, dissection and histology • good laboratory practice; • literature research and assessment; • academic writing; result presentation and statistics. Following a semester of training students can be involved in the design, optimization, execution and analysis of experiments.
Time Commitment
10 hour(s)
Student Requirements
Students should be enthusiastic, hard-working, reliable, ambitious, and conscientious. An interest in musculoskeletal research and experience or willingness to work with animal models is ideal. You should be a good communicator, eager to learn new techniques, and willing to pass on that knowledge to others
Interested in Working With the Following Programs
For EXCEL URE Students Only
Additional Notes