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A microphysiological model of bone development and regeneration
Ian T Whelan1,2, Ross Burdis1, Somayeh Shahreza3
1Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
Biofabrication
|May 18, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a novel microphysiological system to model endochondral ossification (EO), crucial for bone development and healing. The advanced in vitro model aids research into EO and potential therapeutics for bone disorders.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Developmental Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Endochondral ossification (EO) is vital for bone development, growth, and fracture healing.
- Dysregulated EO leads to clinical issues, often untreatable due to a lack of predictive in vitro models.
- Current in vitro models lack the biological complexity for effective musculoskeletal tissue research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an advanced in vitro microphysiological system that mimics vascular invasion during endochondral ossification.
- To create a more biologically relevant model for studying bone development and regeneration.
- To provide a platform for preclinical evaluation of novel therapeutics targeting EO.
Main Methods:
- Integration of endothelial cells and organoids representing endochondral bone development stages within a microfluidic chip.
- Development of a microphysiological system to simulate vascular invasion into cartilage analogues.
- Utilizing organ-on-chip technology for enhanced in vitro modeling.
Main Results:
- The microphysiological model successfully recreated key events of endochondral ossification.
- Observed changes in angiogenic profiles within the maturing cartilage analogue.
- Demonstrated vascular-induced expression of SOX2 and OCT4 transcription factors in the cartilage analogue.
Conclusions:
- The developed microphysiological system offers an advanced in vitro platform for endochondral ossification research.
- This model can potentially be used to monitor drug responses in bone development and regeneration processes.
- Represents a significant advancement for studying complex biological processes like EO and developing new treatments.
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