Murine Models of Joint Injury and Repair

Inherent to the study of life is its sheer complexity, which often requires that biological systems be studied as a whole to best approximate conditions of human health and disease. Therefore, carefully planned and humanely executed animal models remain necessary to expanding our understanding of everything from signaling pathways to social behaviors. Throughout the research process, we work carefully with veterinary staff and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee to ensure that we make all efforts to adhere to the 3 Rs of humane animal research: Replacement, Reduction, Refinement.

Of the various species used in science, the house mouse (Mus musculus) has been widely used for the ease of genetic manipulation while still possessing a complex mammalian physiology. The shorter life span of the mouse also allows scientists to observe biological processes over a compressed time frame. Our group uses wild-type (normal inbred) mice as well as genetic knockout mice (animals that have copies of an inactivated gene) to study the early response to injury in orthopedic tissues like cartilage. We also use primary cell populations from these mice to be able to examine signaling and metabolism at the cellular level.

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Interested in joining the lab? Contact Dr. Chan for more information.