Damage and regeneration are central mechanisms of bone and connective tissue homeostasis. Effectors of these mechanisms are cells of mesenchymal origin (mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts, chondrocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, immune cells, etc.). Activation of inherited programs by endogenous or exogenous stimuli via cellular or humoral factors might support protective or destructive processes. Involved compartments of the joint are the more static structures such as cartilage and bone and the more dynamic structures such as synovium and periost. During the last 2½ years, the contents of a promising research program evolved and interactive fruitful cooperations between different groups of the University were established. An intramural program successfully linked departments of surgery (orthopaedic surgery, trauma surgery), internal medicine (rheumatology / clinical immunology), pathology, pharmaceutical technology, and mechanical engineering. In the present proposal, we will investigate neuroendocrine immune mechanisms for repair of cartilage and bone, for differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, and for inflammatory processes in rheumatoid arthritis and experimental arthritis. This research program might enable us to define new therapeutic targets for joint and bone diseases.
