Mission statement
Major progress in the understanding of the inflammatory and destructive processes in arthritic diseases have identified new targets for treatment. Novel targeted treatments have effectively contributed to a much better control of the disease activity and led to preservation of joint function. Recent findings indicate that signaling pathways involved in joint tissue formation are reactivated in the repair response of joint tissues to injury and inflammation. The Division of Rheumatology and its research laboratory have focused research on the understanding of the molecular basis of joint tissue formation, cartilage and bone, and the role of some of these pathways in arthritic disease.
To accomplish this goal, four research lines have been set up within the Division and are working in synergy in this effort: a Program in Developmental Biology, in Arthritis Research and Tissue Engineering, as well as Clinical Research program.
Building on our previous contributions to developmental pathways critical in joint morphogenesis and their relevance in postnatal joint homeostasis and disease, our research is focused on BMP and Wnt signaling as well as novel proteins/pathways specifically expressed and activated in the joint interzone and the postnatal joint tissues, in particular articular cartilage and bone. Balances in these signaling pathways are modulated using “gain of function” and “loss of function” experiments in models of joint development and disease, in zebrafish, chick and mice. Results of those findings are further investigated for their relevance in human arthritic disease. In addition, we explore emerging in vivo imaging techniques to gain dynamic insights in the disease processes, and quantify inflammation and repair in different joint tissues in the arthritic models.
Ultimately, we are seeking to integrate developmental and pathophysiological approaches into arthritic disease and treatments concepts.
