Cartilage & Chodrocyte Mechanotransduction

**Enter your text here** All cells are subjected to mechanical loads from interactions with their environments (e.g. walking or gravity). Several studies have demonstrated that cells change their biological behavior in response to mechanical loading. We use chondrocytes (cartilage cells) as a model system and are interested in using a systems biology approach to understand how both chondrocytes and other cells respond to mechanical loading. cellular mechanotransduction, is related to our objective to learn how cells respond to mechanical cues. Our second research area, synovial joint drug delivery, is tied to the objective of a bioactive intraarticular delivery platform. As shown in the diagram above, we expect that by conducting research in these two areas, we will reach both objectives and ultimately fulfill our long term goal of developing novel strategies for treating joint disease.