Tendon disorders, a prevalent orthopaedic issue, often lead to incomplete healing, fibrotic scars, chronic tendinopathy, and increased risk of tendon ruptures due to the inadequacy of current treatments. This is partly because animal models do not effectively mimic the complex pathophysiology of human tendon diseases.
Our 'µtendon-on-a-chip' project aims to create a human- and disease-relevant microphysiological model of tendon disorders, reducing reliance on animal models in line with the 3R (reduce, refine, replace) approach. Collaborating with the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, the Medical University of Vienna, and the Vienna University of Technology, we will develop a microfluidic tendon model. This model will be used for human, rat, and horse tendons to assess consistency across species and validate against existing preclinical and clinical data. Supported by the FWF, this project seeks to establish a reliable in vitro platform for tendon disease research, uncover the mechanisms of tendinopathy, and aid in creating new treatments.
Research partners
Florien Jenner, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
Peter Ertl, Technische Universität Wien
For further information please contact Priv.Doz. Dr. Mario Rothbauer.
The cellular response to mechanical signals is a central regulator of a multitude of physiological process, such as wound healing and the formation and maturation of tissues. However, the mechanisms underlying mechanostransduction remain poorly understood, as the inability to create precisely controlled mechanical signals on a cellular level hinders basic research.
Our 'SoMiCell' project will develop light-controlled microactuators to facilitate the application of defined cyclic strains to attached cells. The integration of plasmonic biosensors with the microactuator system will enable spatiotemporally resolved in situ measurement of target molecular species. Using this platform, we will investigate the role of dysfunctional inflammatory mechanosignaling in three-dimensional in vitro models of tendon and ligament tissue. By enabling precise control over the applied mechanical stimulation and spatiotemporal resolution of biomolecular monitoring, the developed system will provide a basis for the investigation of cellular mechanobiology and accelerate knowledge production in biomedical research.
Research partners
Dr. Jakub Dostalek (Institute of Physics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, CZ)
Dr. Ivan Rehor (University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, CZ)
For further information please contact Priv.Doz. Dr. Mario Rothbauer.
Osseointegration, which is the formation of new bone at the surface of the implant as well as the functional connection between bone and implant, is decisive for stable anchoring of the implant and its durability. The rat tibia model is the gold standard in implantology research, but its flawless realization is a major obstacle that frequently results in failed experiments and an exaggerated number of used animals.
Our 'PRECISE' project aims to solve this scientific and ethical problem by the use of 3D-printed surgical guides that exactly fit the shape of the rat tibia bone and allow precise positioning of the screws. Thus, the 'PRECISE' project is expected to contribute to the standardization of the rat tibia osseointegration model, to refine the method and reduce the number of animals used in future scientific studies.
Research partners
Francesco Moscato, MedUni Vienna
Stefan Tangl, MedUni Vienna
Ulrike Kuchler, MedUni Vienna
Markus Zeilinger, University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt
For further information please contact Assoc.Prof. Mag. Dr. Stefan Tögel or Dr. Jürgen Alphonsus.
Previous work performed in the Karl Chiari Lab for Orthopaedic Biology has established the novel concept of osteoarthritis (OA) glycobiology, suggesting that the molecular interaction between glycans and glycan-binding galectins (Gal) contributes to disease manifestation in OA.
Our project is part of the research program of the 'Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Arthritis and Rehabilitation', funded by the Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft, and aims to elucidate the functionality of galectins in the pathogenesis of OA. We will elucidate the distinct patterns of galectins in joint tissues under conditions of TNF-driven inflammatory arthritis or surgically induced post-traumatic OA. The functional role of galectins will be further assessed using genetically engineered animals. Focussing on the role of galectins in tissue crosstalk, we will establish co-culture models, also implementing lab-on-a-chip technology, and investigate the release of extracellular vesicles in response to stimulation of cells with galectins.
Research partners
Silvia Hayer, MedUni Vienna
For further information please contact Assoc.Prof. Mag. Dr. Stefan Tögel.
In December 2023, Christine Strauß was awarded the Lilly Innovation Award 2023 (10,000€) by the Österreichische Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie & Rehabilitation.
The project aims to explore the regulatory role of galectin-1 (Lgals1) in degenerative/low-inflammatory and chronic inflammatory joint tissue damage by using in vivo mouse models of RA and OA and human 3-dimensional joint-on-a-chip technology. It is anticipated that identifying the functional role of galectin-1 in catabolic processes of degenerative and chronic inflammatory joint damage will provide (i) novel insights into joint pathomechanisms and (ii) new targets for the treatment of joint diseases.
Research partners
Silvia Hayer, MedUni Vienna
Mario Rothbauer, MedUni Vienna
Stefan Tögel, MedUni Vienna
For further information please contact Assoc.Prof. Mag. Dr. Stefan Tögel.