Research
Cartilage Biology in Health and Disease
Articular chondrocytes live in an unusual and constantly changing physicochemical environment. Due to the structure of the extracellular matrix, adult cartilage is avascular, relatively hypoxic and acidic compared to other tissues. In this challenging environment the maintenance and regulation of extracellular matrix by chondrocytes is dependent on signals received through this milieu. In joint disease, such as osteoarthritis, the extracellular environment is altered and the cellular physiology of the chondrocyte will change to reflect this, leading to alterations in its key role of regulating matrix turnover and hence contributing to the pathophysiology of joint disease.
I am particularly interested in how changes in pH and oxidant levels affect cartilage at the cellular and molecular level and potentially how these processes can be modified to augment cartilage production.
Veterinary Clinical Research
Including:
• Hoof function and morphology in relation to lameness
• Pain mechanisms in chronic laminitis
• Outcome of orthopaedic surgery
• Outcome of tendon damage using MRI and following interventional surgery
• Changes in oxidant levels in horses with colic
Research grants
INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF THE RNA BINDING PROTEIN HuR IN MUSCULOSKELETAL DEVELOPMENT AND DISEASE
MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
July 2016 - December 2019
How is foot shape influenced by farriery and can this be used as a predictor of lameness?
THE HORSE TRUST (UK)
September 2016 - August 2019
The effect of Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-B)on hypoxic regulation of pH homeostasis in articular cartilage - Biomedical Vacation Scholarships - 2009 - Hannah Smith
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
July 2009 - September 2009
Nociceptive purinergic P2X receptors in equine laminae and nerves – potential molecular targets for treating laminitis
PET PLAN CHARITABLE TRUST (UK)
October 2009 - September 2010
Research collaborations
Professor Peter Clegg
Dr John S Gibson
University of Cambridge
Mr David Bardell
Dr Ellen Singer
Dr Richard Barrett-Jolley
Dr Robert J Wilkins
University of Oxford
Professor James Gallagher
Professor Stuart Carter
Professors Robert Moots
Co-supervisor for John Collins (PG)