This grant proposal entitled """"""""Combination of Nanofiber Scaffolds with Gradations in Fiber Organization and Mineral Content and Adipose-derived Stem Cells for Rotator Cuff Injury Repair"""""""" addresses the challenge in engineering a tissue construct to repair rotator cuff injury. The research issues we will address in the current grant proposal are three-fold: 1) Developing novel nanofiber scaffolds that will recapitulate the native structure and composition of tendon-to-bone insertion site, 2) Regulating the behaviors of adipose- derived stem cells (ADSCs) including morphology, proliferation, migration, and differentiation using nanofiber scaffolds, and 3) Testing the efficacy of ADSCs seeded nanofiber scaffolds using a rat shoulder injury model. To address our objectives, we are taking advantage of a unique opportunity to combine expertise from two research groups at Marshall University to ensure high level of productivity during the proposed funding period. Dr. Xie's laboratory has extensive experience in fabrication of nanofiber scaffolds and examination of interaction between cells and nanofiber scaffolds including culture and differentiation of adult and embryonic stem cells. Dr. Shuler has extensive experience in the animal model and clinical treatment of rotator cuff injury. Both research groups have the necessary skills and technology required to immediately carry out the work proposed.
Rotator cuff repair - that is, surgical attachment of the torn tendon(s) to their bony insertion(s) - to recover shoulder function is one of the most common orthopaedic surgical procedures, with tens of thousands of repairs performed each year in the United States. It is the most frequently seen shoulder condition, affecting more than 17 million individuals in the United States alone. The research program outlined here seeks to provide the foundation for the development of nanofiber-based scaffolds for promoting repair of the rotator cuff injury.
