Genre: Information/Explanation

Title of Research Functional characterisation of AChE variants during osteo-chondrogenesis Summary of Research Arthritis and related diseases are ultimately the consequence of damage to cartilage and bone , which prevents these tissues from functioning normally , causing pain , immobility and disability . Pioneering work from our laboratroy has shown that a protein , AChE , is produced by cells within bone and cartilage and that AChE can regulate the functional properties of these cells . However , we have also shown that AChE can exist in several different forms in the skeleton , each with unique characteristics . In this project , we will determine how these individual AChE proteins regulate the formation and function of cartilage and bone in both normal and disease conditions . This may reveal new ways in which we can manipulate the formation of skeletal tissues for the treatment of bone and joint disease .