By: Kesini Ramkumar & Roopneet Panesar
Osteoarthritis is a disease in which the cartilage, protecting the ends of bones, wears down. This condition impacts many people around the world.
As a part of a field of study that is growing rapidly, called mechano-genetics, which studies the effect of physical and mechanical forces on gene expression, researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have been working hard to find treatment for such conditions. Recently, they genetically engineered cartilage cells. These cells release an anti-inflammatory drug when they undergo mechanical stress such as the bending of knees.
The developed cartilage cells were engineered to release interleukin-1 receptors which are known to reduce inflammation in such arthritic joints. It is not as effective, researchers say, because it is only injected once into a joint; however, it is deemed safe. It is believed that if this drug is input into bodies over the years, especially during mechanical stress on the joints, significant outcomes will be seen.
The engineered cells were tested in mechano-responsive tissue constructs. Results showed that in an inflammatory environment, the cells were able to maintain the integrity of the tissues; however, regular cartilage cells degraded the tissue.
Mechano-genetics continues to be a topic of study and comes with new technological advancements regularly. Stay tuned for more interesting discoveries regarding orthopaedics!
References:
Sridharan, Rukmani. “Engineered Cartilage Cells Produce Anti-Inflammatory Drugs |.” Medgadget, 29 Jan. 2021, www.medgadget.com/2021/01/engineered-cartilage-cells-produce-anti-inflammatory-drugs.html.
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