The aim of the proposed research is to develop and validate a gene therapy protocol for the sustained local release of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) in amounts sufficient to promote healing of equine articular cartilage. IGF-I has an important role in cartilage development and homeostasis, and in previous studies has been shown to promote healing in experimentally injured cartilage. An important limitation, however, has been the inability to sustain therapeutic levels of IGF-I at the site of injury. To overcome this limitation, I would use an adenovirus vector to introduce an IGF-I gene construct into equine chondrocytes. The transfected cells would then be imported into experimentally injured joints, with the resulting repair tissue examined at predetermined intervals. Thereafter, I would assess donor cell survival and quantify local IGF-I gene expression, correlations being drawn with biomechanical, molecular biological, histological and biomechanical analyses that reflect various aspects of the healing process.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32AR049159-01
Application #
6551480
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F10 (20))
Program Officer
Tyree, Bernadette
Project Start
2003-03-14
Project End
Budget Start
2003-01-01
Budget End
2003-12-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$54,352
Indirect Cost
Name
Cornell University
Department
Administration
Type
Schools of Veterinary Medicine
DUNS #
City
Ithaca
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
14850
Goodrich, L R; Hidaka, C; Robbins, P D et al. (2007) Genetic modification of chondrocytes with insulin-like growth factor-1 enhances cartilage healing in an equine model. J Bone Joint Surg Br 89:672-85
Trippel, S B; Ghivizzani, S C; Nixon, A J (2004) Gene-based approaches for the repair of articular cartilage. Gene Ther 11:351-9