Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Microfluidic Chips for In Situ Crystal X-ray Diffraction and In Situ Dynamic Light Scattering for Serial Crystallography
Published on: April 24, 2018
How crystals damage tissue
Eamonn S Molloy1, Geraldine M McCarthy
1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Abstract:
Basic calcium phosphate, calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate, and monosodium urate crystals are the most common types of crystals associated with human disease. Although there is a well-established association between these crystals and various forms of joint disease, recent evidence points to an association of basic calcium phosphate crystals with breast cancer and atherosclerosis. Crystal-induced tissue damage is affected by degradative proteases, cytokines, chemokines, and prostanoids produced by cells stimulated by crystals. In the case of basic calcium phosphate and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals, these responses are augmented by the cellular proliferation that results from their induction of mitogenesis. The understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in generating these pathologic effects has been significantly advanced in recent years. Such advances are essential to the ongoing search for more effective therapies for crystal-associated diseases.
More Related Videos
10:45Crystallization and Structural Determination of an Enzyme:Substrate Complex by Serial Crystallography in a Versatile Microfluidic Chip
Published on: March 20, 2021
07:45Estimation of Urinary Nanocrystals in Humans using Calcium Fluorophore Labeling and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis
Published on: February 9, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Cellular Injury I: Introduction
Imperfections in Crystal Structure: Point, Line and Plane Defects
Crystal Growth: Principles of Crystallization
Initiating crystallization involves manipulating the concentration of the solute and the temperature of the solution. Since crystal growth occurs when the ratio of concentration and solubility of the solute in the solvent – the...
Cellular Injury IV: Necrosis
Determination of Crystal Structures
Cellular Injury II: Classification