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H2020Doctoral network2017–2020

CarBon · Controlling Cartilage to Bone Transitions for Improved Treatment of Bone Defects and Osteoarthritis

Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2017-01-01 → 2020-12-31
EU contribution
€3,607,596
Participants
14
Scheme
MSCA-ITN

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners. CORDIS does not always give exact coordinates for projects before 2014. These points are placed at city or country level.

Results in brief

Controlling Cartilage to Bone Transitions for Improved Treatment of Bone Defects and Osteoarthritis

CarBon was a Marie Curie Innovative Training Network. The aims were to increase our understanding of how cartilage turns into bone. Cartilage and bone are inextricably linked during development, pathology and repair. During skeletal development most bones of the body are formed via a cartilage intermediate through the process of endochondral ossification. In the context of bone healing, endochondral ossification is also critically important. At the joint surface, in the absence of disease, cartilage is a stable tissue that provides the mechanical environment required for joint motion. However, in osteoarthritis, undesirable endochondral ossification occurs whereby the cartilage becomes vascularised, mineralised and is eventually replaced by bone. Damage and disease related to cartilage and bone as described above place a huge burden on society in socioeconomic terms. We investigated the role of cell behaviour, the extracellular matrix and the mechanical environment in cartilage formation and cartilage to bone transition, in order to ultimately develop new treatment options for large bone defect repair and the prevention or treatment of osteoarthritis. Important critical biological steps during the formation of cartilage and bone, such as cellular differentiation, the migration of cells and the generation of a vasculature were investigated using a broad range of models. To achieve these aims, 14 early stage researchers (ESRs) were employed. The combination of biologists and engineers, academics and non-academics created a dynamic environment in which these researchers could develop their ideas. The first 3 workpackages (WPs) investigated the role of cell-secreted signaling molecules, extracellular matrix components and mechanical loading. WP4 and WP5 linked all knowledge using various types of models. CarBon has delivered a new generation of scientists, skilled in multi-disciplinary research and well educated in economic, clinical and societal valorisation. As a result of the research activities, new targets have been discovered for further development of novel therapies for bone and cartilage repair.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

A well-functioning locomotor system is essential for human well-being. This is an important consideration in our aging population with the increased associated costs of ensuring high quality of life. Many people suffer from diseases of the locomotor system, such as bone defects or osteoarthritis, for which current treatments are insufficient. To develop new treatments, CarBon includes 6 academic partners, 3 companies and 3 charitable foundations, working together to train 14 young scientists. We will combine knowledge from the fields of tissue engineering, cartilage and bone developmental biology and pathobiology using skills from the disciplines of cell biology, computational modelling, biotechnology (bioreactors, biomaterials) and drug discovery.In a multifactorial approach the network of young scientists will identify the biological and physical factors that determine the fate of cartilage. Understanding and controlling the dual character of cartilage is pivotal: insufficient transition impairs bone healing, and undesired transition to bone leads to osteoarthritis. State of the art in vitro, in silico and in vivo models will be uniquely combined to elucidate how this transition is orchestrated and how it can be modulated. The main objectives of CarBon are:- To establish a network of 14 highly skilled early stage researchers (ESRs) equipped with essential knowledge, scientific expertise, transferable skills and societal awareness as a foundation for their future careers. ESRs will be trained in cutting edge technology, communication, intellectual property and valorisation. - To understand cartilage to bone transition, to identify targets to develop novel functionalised biomaterials and to discover therapeutic drugs that either prevent or stimulate cartilage to bone transitions. This will lead to new treatment options for large bone defects and osteoarthritis.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • ERASMUS UNIVERSITAIR MEDISCH CENTRUM ROTTERDAM · RotterdamCoordinatorNetherlands
  • Deutsche Arthrosehilfe · Frankfurt am MainUnknown Region
  • Eli Lilly and Company · IndianapolisUnknown Region
  • IRCCS AZIENDA OSPEDALIERA METROPOLITANA · GenovaItaly
  • JOHANN WOLFGANG GOETHE-UNIVERSITAET FRANKFURT AM MAIN · Frankfurt Am MainGermany
  • KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN · LeuvenBelgium
  • KLINIKUM DER UNIVERSITAET ZU KOELN · KoelnGermany
  • LIFETEC GROUP BV · EINDHOVENNetherlands
  • Orthopaedic Research UK · LondonUnknown Region
  • ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS IN IRELAND · DUBLIN 2Ireland
  • SURGACOLL TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED · DublinCity levelIreland
  • Stichting ReumaNederland · AMSTERDAMNetherlands
  • THE PROVOST, FELLOWS, FOUNDATION SCHOLARS & THE OTHER MEMBERS OF BOARD, OF THE COLLEGE OF THE HOLY & UNDIVIDED TRINITY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH NEAR DUBLIN · DublinIreland
  • THE ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE · LondonUnited Kingdom

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union