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Dr Sophie Gilbert
BSc (Hons), PhD
Post-doctoral Research Associate
School of Biosciences
Overview
I am a post-doctoral researcher with over 25 years of experience in musculoskeletal biology in normal and disease states. My research focusses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in its regulation under mechanical load and during inflammation. I have been pivotal in establishing a range of in vitro and in vivo cell and tissue models of inflammation and joint loading to investigate these processes. I also have an interest in cartilage repair with particular emphasis on investigating why repair tissue poorly integrates with the surrounding host cartilage. I am a member of the UK Centre of Excellence in Biomechanics and Bioengineering whose aim is to drive interdisciplinary studies across a team of internationally recognised researchers and clinicians to improve patient care.
Publication
2024
- Jones, R., Gilbert, S. J., Christofides, S. R. and Mason, D. J. 2024. Osteocytes contribute to sex-specific differences in osteoarthritic pain. Frontiers in Endocrinology 15, article number: 1480274. (10.3389/fendo.2024.1480274)
- Gilbert, S. J. et al. 2024. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of articular cartilage of post-traumatic osteoarthritis mouse models. Disease Models & Mechanisms 17(10), article number: dmm050583. (10.1242/dmm.050583)
- Kalsoum, R. et al. 2024. A mixed-methods approach exploring acceptability and feasibility of trials designed to test drugs targeting prevention of post-traumatic osteoarthritis after knee injury.. Bone & Joint Research 13(9), pp. 513-524. (10.1302/2046-3758.139.BJR-2024-0109)
- Gilbert, S. J., Jones, R., Egan, B. J., Bonnet, C. S., Evans, S. L. and Mason, D. J. 2024. Investigating mechanical and inflammatory pathological mechanisms in osteoarthritis using MSC-derived osteocyte-like cells in 3D. Frontiers in Endocrinology 15, article number: 1359052. (10.3389/fendo.2024.1359052)
2022
- Gilbert, S. J., Blain, E. J. and Mason, D. J. 2022. Interferon-gamma modulates articular chondrocyte and osteoblast metabolism through protein kinase R-independent and dependent mechanisms. Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports 32, article number: 101323. (10.1016/j.bbrep.2022.101323)
2021
- Gilbert, S. J., Bonnet, C. S. and Blain, E. J. 2021. Mechanical cues: bidirectional reciprocity in the extracellular matrix drives mechano-signalling in articular cartilage. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22(24), article number: 13595. (10.3390/ijms222413595)
- Tobias, J. H. et al. 2021. Opportunities and challenges in functional genomics research in osteoporosis: report from a workshop held by the Causes Working Group of the Osteoporosis and Bone Research Academy of the Royal Osteoporosis Society on October 5th 2020. Frontiers in Endocrinology 11, article number: 630875. (10.3389/fendo.2020.630875)
- Stadnik, P. S. et al. 2021. Regulation of microRNA‐221, ‐222, ‐21 and ‐27 in articular cartilage subjected to abnormal compressive forces. Journal of Physiology 599(1), pp. 143-155., article number: V. (10.1113/JP279810)
2020
- Bonnet, C. S., Gilbert, S. J., Blain, E. J., Williams, A. S. and Mason, D. J. 2020. AMPA/kainate glutamate receptor antagonists prevent posttraumatic osteoarthritis. JCI Insight 5(13), article number: e134055. (10.1172/jci.insight.134055)
2018
- Gilbert, S. J., Bonnet, C. S., Stadnik, P., Duance, V. C., Mason, D. J. and Blain, E. J. 2018. Inflammatory and degenerative phases resulting from anterior cruciate rupture in a non-invasive murine model of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Journal of Orthopaedic Research 36(8), pp. 2118-2127. (10.1002/jor.23872)
- Gilbert, S. and Blain, E. 2018. Cartilage mechanobiology: how chondrocytes respond to mechanical load. In: Verbruggen, S. ed. Mechanobiology in Health and Disease. London UK: Elsevier, pp. 99-126.
2016
- Al-Sabah, A., Stadnik, P., Gilbert, S., Duance, V. and Blain, E. 2016. Importance of reference gene selection for articular cartilage mechanobiology studies. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 24(4), pp. 719-730. (10.1016/j.joca.2015.11.007)
2014
- Bonnet, C. S., Williams, A. S., Gilbert, S. J., Harvey, A. K., Evans, B. A. and Mason, D. J. 2014. AMPA/kainate glutamate receptors contribute to inflammation, degeneration and pain related behaviour in inflammatory stages of arthritis. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 74, pp. 242-251. (10.1136/annrheumdis-2013-203670)
- Gilbert, S. J. et al. 2014. Deletion of P58IPK, the cellular inhibitor of the protein kinases PKR and PERK, causes bone changes and joint degeneration in mice. Frontiers in Endocrinology 5, article number: 174. (10.3389/fendo.2014.00174)
- Bonnet, C., Williams, A. S., Gilbert, S. J., Harvey, A., Evans, B. A. J. and Mason, D. J. 2014. NBQX, a glutamate receptor antagonist, alleviates inflammation, pathology and gait abnormalities in a rat model of inflammatory arthritis. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 95(3), pp. A5-A6. (10.1111/iep.12078)
- Gilbert, S. J., Meakin, L. B., Mason, D. J., Duance, V. C. and Blain, E. J. 2014. The use of a non-invasive murine knee joint loading model to identify mechano-regulated genes in vivo. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 95(3), pp. A11-A12. (10.1111/iep.12078)
2012
- Bonnet, C., Williams, A. S., Harvey, A., Gilbert, S. J., Moideen, A. N., Nowell, M. A. and Mason, D. J. 2012. Intra-articular AMPA/kainate glutamate receptor antagonists alleviate inflammation, pain and pathology in rat antigen induced arthritis [Abstract]. Osteoporosis International 23, pp. S527-S527.
- Gilbert, S. J., Blain, E. J., Al-Sabah, A., Zhang, Y., Duance, V. C. and Mason, D. J. 2012. Protein kinase R plays a pivotal role in oncostatin M and interleukin-1 signalling in bovine articular cartilage chondrocytes. European Cells and Materials 23, pp. 41-57.
2011
- Parsons, P. et al. 2011. Type IX collagen interacts with fibronectin providing an important molecular bridge in articular cartilage. Journal of Biological Chemistry 286(40), pp. 34986-34997. (10.1074/jbc.M111.238188)
- Khan, I. M. et al. 2011. Interleukin-1β enhances cartilage-to-cartilage integration. European Cells and Materials 22, pp. 190-201.
- Parsons, P. et al. 2011. Identification of a type IX collagen interaction with fibronectin: a molecular bridge in articular cartilage?. The Journal of Biological Chemistry 286(40), pp. 34986-34997. (10.1074/jbc.M111.238188)
2010
- Gilbert, S. J., Patel, M., Toumi, H., Duance, V. C. and Mason, D. J. 2010. Knockout of P58(IPK), a known inhibitor of PKR, in mice results in a degenerative phenotype in the knee joint. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 91(2), pp. A34-A34. (10.1111/j.1365-2613.2009.00690.x)
2009
- Singhrao, S., Müller, C. T., Gilbert, S. J., Duance, V. C. and Archer, C. W. 2009. An immunofluorescence method for postembedded tissue in the acrylic resin Technovit 9100 New(R) using fluorescein isothiocyanate secondary detection. Microscopy Research and Technique 72(7), pp. 501-506. (10.1002/jemt.20705)
- Gilbert, S. J., Duance, V. C. and Mason, D. J. 2009. A pivotal role for protein kinase R in the oncostatin m and interleukin-1 induced catabolic phenotype in bovine articular cartilage chondrocytes. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 90(2), pp. A112-A112. (10.1111/j.1365-2613.2008.00644.x)
- Singhrao, S. K., Müller, C. T., Gilbert, S. J., Duance, V. C. and Archer, C. W. 2009. An immunofluorescence method for post-embedded tissue in acrylic resin Technovit 9100 New(R) using fluorescein isothiocyanate secondary detection marker [Abstract]. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 90(2), pp. A129.
- Gilbert, S. J., Duance, V. C. and Mason, D. J. 2009. A pivotal role for protein kinase R in the oncastatin m and interleukin-1 induced catabolic phenotype in bovine articular cartilage chondrocytes. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 90(2), pp. A112-A112.
- Gilbert, S. J. et al. 2009. Enhanced Tissue Integration During Cartilage Repair In Vitro Can Be Achieved by Inhibiting Chondrocyte Death at the Wound Edge. Tissue Engineering :Part A 15(7), pp. 1739-1749. (10.1089/ten.tea.2008.0361)
- Khan, I. M., Bishop, J. C., Gilbert, S. J. and Archer, C. W. 2009. Clonal chondroprogenitors maintain telomerase activity and Sox9 expression during extended monolayer culture and retain chondrogenic potential. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 17(4), pp. 518-528. (10.1016/j.joca.2008.08.002)
2008
- Gilbert, S. J., Singhrao, S. K., Khan, I., Duance, V. C. and Archer, C. 2008. Inhibition of chondrocyte death at the wound edge enhances integrative cartilage repair. European Cells and Materials 16, pp. 26-39.
- Khan, I. M., Gilbert, S. J., Caterson, B., Sandell, L. and Archer, C. W. 2008. Oxidative stress induces expression of osteoarthritis markers procollagen IIA and 3B3(-) in adult bovine articular cartilage. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 16(6), pp. 698-707. (10.1016/j.joca.2007.10.004)
- Gilbert, S. J., Blain, E. J., Duance, V. C. and Mason, D. J. 2008. Sphingomyelinase decreases type II collagen expression in bovine articular chondrocytes via the ERK signalling pathway. Arthritis and Rheumatism 58(1), pp. 209-220. (10.1002/art.23172)
- Gilbert, S. J., Singhrao, S. K., Khan, I. M., Duance, V. C. and Archer, C. W. 2008. Inhibiting chondrocyte death at the wound edge results in successful integrative cartilage repair in vitro. European Cells and Materials 16(Supp 3), pp. 55-55.
- Davies, L. C., Blain, E., Gilbert, S. J., Caterson, B. and Duance, V. 2008. The potential of IGF-1 and TGFβ1 for promoting “adult” articular cartilage repair: An in vitro study. Tissue Engineering Part A 14(7), pp. 1251-1261. (10.1089/ten.tea.2007.0211)
- Khan, I. M., Gilbert, S. J., Singhrao, S., Duance, V. C. and Archer, C. W. 2008. Cartilage integration: evaluation of the reasons for failure of integration during cartilage repair. (A review). European Cells & Materials 16, pp. 26-39.
2006
- Blain, E. J., Gilbert, S. J., Hayes, A. J. and Duance, V. C. 2006. Disassembly of the vimentin cytoskeleton disrupts articular cartilage chondrocyte homeostasis.. Matrix biology 25(7), pp. 398-408. (10.1016/j.matbio.2006.06.002)
- Gilbert, S. J., Blain, E. J., Jones, P., Duance, V. C. and Mason, D. J. 2006. Exogenous sphingomyelinase increases collagen and sulphated glycosaminoglycan production by primary articular chondrocytes: an in vitro study. Arthritis research & therapy 8(4), article number: R89. (10.1186/ar1961)
- Gilbert, S. J., Duance, V. C. and Mason, D. J. 2006. Protein kinase R: A novel mediator of articular cartilage degradation in arthritis. Current Rheumatology Reviews 2(1), pp. 9-21. (10.2174/157339706775697026)
2005
- Blain, E. J., Gilbert, S. J. and Duance, V. C. 2005. An intact cytoskeleton is essential to maintain articular cartilage chondrocyte metabolism. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 86(3), pp. A10-A11. (10.1111/j.0959-9673.2005.00426.x)
2003
- Gilbert, S. J., Duance, V. C. and Mason, D. J. 2003. Does protein kinase R mediate TNF-α- and ceramide-induced increases in expression and activation of matrix metalloproteinases in articular cartilage by a novel mechanism?. Arthritis Research & Therapy 6(1), pp. R46-R55. (10.1186/ar1024)
2002
- Gilbert, S. J., Duance, V. C. and Mason, D. J. 2002. Tumour necrosis factor α up-regulates protein kinase R (PKR)-activating protein (PACT) and increases phosphorylation of PKR and eukaryotic initiation factor 2-α in articular chondrocytes. Biochemical Society Transactions 30(6), pp. 886-889. (10.1042/BST0300886)
- Gilbert, S. J., Duance, V. C. and Mason, D. J. 2002. Tumour necrosis factor α up-regulates protein kinase R (PKR)-activating protein (PACT) and increases phosphorylation of PKR and eukaryotic initiation factor 2-α in articular chondrocyte. Biochemical Society Transactions 30, pp. 886-889. (10.1042/bst0300886)
2001
- Blain, E. J., Gilbert, S. J., Wardale, R. J., Capper, S. J., Mason, D. J. and Duance, V. C. 2001. Up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase expression and activation following cyclical compressive loading of articular cartilage in vitro. Archives of biochemistry and biophysics 396(1), pp. 49-55. (10.1006/abbi.2001.2575)
2000
- Vaughan-Thomas, A., Gilbert, S. J. and Duance, V. 2000. Elevated levels of proteolytic enzymes in the aging human vitreous. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 41(11), pp. 3299-32304.
- Gilbert, S. J., Wotton, P. R., Bailey, A. J., Sims, T. J. and Duance, V. C. 2000. Alterations in the organisation, ultrastructure and biochemistry of the myocardial collagen matrix in Doberman pinschers with dilated cardiomyopathy. Research in Veterinary Science 69(3), pp. 267-274. (10.1053/rvsc.2000.0423)
1997
- Gilbert, S. J., Wotton, P. R., Tarlton, J. F., Duance, V. C. and Bailey, A. J. 1997. Increased expression of promatrix metalloproteinase-9 and neutrophil elastase in canine dilated cardiomyopathy. Cardiovascular Research 34(2), pp. 377-383. (10.1016/S0008-6363(97)00011-4)
Articles
- Jones, R., Gilbert, S. J., Christofides, S. R. and Mason, D. J. 2024. Osteocytes contribute to sex-specific differences in osteoarthritic pain. Frontiers in Endocrinology 15, article number: 1480274. (10.3389/fendo.2024.1480274)
- Gilbert, S. J. et al. 2024. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of articular cartilage of post-traumatic osteoarthritis mouse models. Disease Models & Mechanisms 17(10), article number: dmm050583. (10.1242/dmm.050583)
- Kalsoum, R. et al. 2024. A mixed-methods approach exploring acceptability and feasibility of trials designed to test drugs targeting prevention of post-traumatic osteoarthritis after knee injury.. Bone & Joint Research 13(9), pp. 513-524. (10.1302/2046-3758.139.BJR-2024-0109)
- Gilbert, S. J., Jones, R., Egan, B. J., Bonnet, C. S., Evans, S. L. and Mason, D. J. 2024. Investigating mechanical and inflammatory pathological mechanisms in osteoarthritis using MSC-derived osteocyte-like cells in 3D. Frontiers in Endocrinology 15, article number: 1359052. (10.3389/fendo.2024.1359052)
- Gilbert, S. J., Blain, E. J. and Mason, D. J. 2022. Interferon-gamma modulates articular chondrocyte and osteoblast metabolism through protein kinase R-independent and dependent mechanisms. Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports 32, article number: 101323. (10.1016/j.bbrep.2022.101323)
- Gilbert, S. J., Bonnet, C. S. and Blain, E. J. 2021. Mechanical cues: bidirectional reciprocity in the extracellular matrix drives mechano-signalling in articular cartilage. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22(24), article number: 13595. (10.3390/ijms222413595)
- Tobias, J. H. et al. 2021. Opportunities and challenges in functional genomics research in osteoporosis: report from a workshop held by the Causes Working Group of the Osteoporosis and Bone Research Academy of the Royal Osteoporosis Society on October 5th 2020. Frontiers in Endocrinology 11, article number: 630875. (10.3389/fendo.2020.630875)
- Stadnik, P. S. et al. 2021. Regulation of microRNA‐221, ‐222, ‐21 and ‐27 in articular cartilage subjected to abnormal compressive forces. Journal of Physiology 599(1), pp. 143-155., article number: V. (10.1113/JP279810)
- Bonnet, C. S., Gilbert, S. J., Blain, E. J., Williams, A. S. and Mason, D. J. 2020. AMPA/kainate glutamate receptor antagonists prevent posttraumatic osteoarthritis. JCI Insight 5(13), article number: e134055. (10.1172/jci.insight.134055)
- Gilbert, S. J., Bonnet, C. S., Stadnik, P., Duance, V. C., Mason, D. J. and Blain, E. J. 2018. Inflammatory and degenerative phases resulting from anterior cruciate rupture in a non-invasive murine model of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Journal of Orthopaedic Research 36(8), pp. 2118-2127. (10.1002/jor.23872)
- Al-Sabah, A., Stadnik, P., Gilbert, S., Duance, V. and Blain, E. 2016. Importance of reference gene selection for articular cartilage mechanobiology studies. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 24(4), pp. 719-730. (10.1016/j.joca.2015.11.007)
- Bonnet, C. S., Williams, A. S., Gilbert, S. J., Harvey, A. K., Evans, B. A. and Mason, D. J. 2014. AMPA/kainate glutamate receptors contribute to inflammation, degeneration and pain related behaviour in inflammatory stages of arthritis. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 74, pp. 242-251. (10.1136/annrheumdis-2013-203670)
- Gilbert, S. J. et al. 2014. Deletion of P58IPK, the cellular inhibitor of the protein kinases PKR and PERK, causes bone changes and joint degeneration in mice. Frontiers in Endocrinology 5, article number: 174. (10.3389/fendo.2014.00174)
- Bonnet, C., Williams, A. S., Gilbert, S. J., Harvey, A., Evans, B. A. J. and Mason, D. J. 2014. NBQX, a glutamate receptor antagonist, alleviates inflammation, pathology and gait abnormalities in a rat model of inflammatory arthritis. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 95(3), pp. A5-A6. (10.1111/iep.12078)
- Gilbert, S. J., Meakin, L. B., Mason, D. J., Duance, V. C. and Blain, E. J. 2014. The use of a non-invasive murine knee joint loading model to identify mechano-regulated genes in vivo. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 95(3), pp. A11-A12. (10.1111/iep.12078)
- Bonnet, C., Williams, A. S., Harvey, A., Gilbert, S. J., Moideen, A. N., Nowell, M. A. and Mason, D. J. 2012. Intra-articular AMPA/kainate glutamate receptor antagonists alleviate inflammation, pain and pathology in rat antigen induced arthritis [Abstract]. Osteoporosis International 23, pp. S527-S527.
- Gilbert, S. J., Blain, E. J., Al-Sabah, A., Zhang, Y., Duance, V. C. and Mason, D. J. 2012. Protein kinase R plays a pivotal role in oncostatin M and interleukin-1 signalling in bovine articular cartilage chondrocytes. European Cells and Materials 23, pp. 41-57.
- Parsons, P. et al. 2011. Type IX collagen interacts with fibronectin providing an important molecular bridge in articular cartilage. Journal of Biological Chemistry 286(40), pp. 34986-34997. (10.1074/jbc.M111.238188)
- Khan, I. M. et al. 2011. Interleukin-1β enhances cartilage-to-cartilage integration. European Cells and Materials 22, pp. 190-201.
- Parsons, P. et al. 2011. Identification of a type IX collagen interaction with fibronectin: a molecular bridge in articular cartilage?. The Journal of Biological Chemistry 286(40), pp. 34986-34997. (10.1074/jbc.M111.238188)
- Gilbert, S. J., Patel, M., Toumi, H., Duance, V. C. and Mason, D. J. 2010. Knockout of P58(IPK), a known inhibitor of PKR, in mice results in a degenerative phenotype in the knee joint. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 91(2), pp. A34-A34. (10.1111/j.1365-2613.2009.00690.x)
- Singhrao, S., Müller, C. T., Gilbert, S. J., Duance, V. C. and Archer, C. W. 2009. An immunofluorescence method for postembedded tissue in the acrylic resin Technovit 9100 New(R) using fluorescein isothiocyanate secondary detection. Microscopy Research and Technique 72(7), pp. 501-506. (10.1002/jemt.20705)
- Gilbert, S. J., Duance, V. C. and Mason, D. J. 2009. A pivotal role for protein kinase R in the oncostatin m and interleukin-1 induced catabolic phenotype in bovine articular cartilage chondrocytes. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 90(2), pp. A112-A112. (10.1111/j.1365-2613.2008.00644.x)
- Singhrao, S. K., Müller, C. T., Gilbert, S. J., Duance, V. C. and Archer, C. W. 2009. An immunofluorescence method for post-embedded tissue in acrylic resin Technovit 9100 New(R) using fluorescein isothiocyanate secondary detection marker [Abstract]. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 90(2), pp. A129.
- Gilbert, S. J., Duance, V. C. and Mason, D. J. 2009. A pivotal role for protein kinase R in the oncastatin m and interleukin-1 induced catabolic phenotype in bovine articular cartilage chondrocytes. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 90(2), pp. A112-A112.
- Gilbert, S. J. et al. 2009. Enhanced Tissue Integration During Cartilage Repair In Vitro Can Be Achieved by Inhibiting Chondrocyte Death at the Wound Edge. Tissue Engineering :Part A 15(7), pp. 1739-1749. (10.1089/ten.tea.2008.0361)
- Khan, I. M., Bishop, J. C., Gilbert, S. J. and Archer, C. W. 2009. Clonal chondroprogenitors maintain telomerase activity and Sox9 expression during extended monolayer culture and retain chondrogenic potential. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 17(4), pp. 518-528. (10.1016/j.joca.2008.08.002)
- Gilbert, S. J., Singhrao, S. K., Khan, I., Duance, V. C. and Archer, C. 2008. Inhibition of chondrocyte death at the wound edge enhances integrative cartilage repair. European Cells and Materials 16, pp. 26-39.
- Khan, I. M., Gilbert, S. J., Caterson, B., Sandell, L. and Archer, C. W. 2008. Oxidative stress induces expression of osteoarthritis markers procollagen IIA and 3B3(-) in adult bovine articular cartilage. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 16(6), pp. 698-707. (10.1016/j.joca.2007.10.004)
- Gilbert, S. J., Blain, E. J., Duance, V. C. and Mason, D. J. 2008. Sphingomyelinase decreases type II collagen expression in bovine articular chondrocytes via the ERK signalling pathway. Arthritis and Rheumatism 58(1), pp. 209-220. (10.1002/art.23172)
- Gilbert, S. J., Singhrao, S. K., Khan, I. M., Duance, V. C. and Archer, C. W. 2008. Inhibiting chondrocyte death at the wound edge results in successful integrative cartilage repair in vitro. European Cells and Materials 16(Supp 3), pp. 55-55.
- Davies, L. C., Blain, E., Gilbert, S. J., Caterson, B. and Duance, V. 2008. The potential of IGF-1 and TGFβ1 for promoting “adult” articular cartilage repair: An in vitro study. Tissue Engineering Part A 14(7), pp. 1251-1261. (10.1089/ten.tea.2007.0211)
- Khan, I. M., Gilbert, S. J., Singhrao, S., Duance, V. C. and Archer, C. W. 2008. Cartilage integration: evaluation of the reasons for failure of integration during cartilage repair. (A review). European Cells & Materials 16, pp. 26-39.
- Blain, E. J., Gilbert, S. J., Hayes, A. J. and Duance, V. C. 2006. Disassembly of the vimentin cytoskeleton disrupts articular cartilage chondrocyte homeostasis.. Matrix biology 25(7), pp. 398-408. (10.1016/j.matbio.2006.06.002)
- Gilbert, S. J., Blain, E. J., Jones, P., Duance, V. C. and Mason, D. J. 2006. Exogenous sphingomyelinase increases collagen and sulphated glycosaminoglycan production by primary articular chondrocytes: an in vitro study. Arthritis research & therapy 8(4), article number: R89. (10.1186/ar1961)
- Gilbert, S. J., Duance, V. C. and Mason, D. J. 2006. Protein kinase R: A novel mediator of articular cartilage degradation in arthritis. Current Rheumatology Reviews 2(1), pp. 9-21. (10.2174/157339706775697026)
- Blain, E. J., Gilbert, S. J. and Duance, V. C. 2005. An intact cytoskeleton is essential to maintain articular cartilage chondrocyte metabolism. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 86(3), pp. A10-A11. (10.1111/j.0959-9673.2005.00426.x)
- Gilbert, S. J., Duance, V. C. and Mason, D. J. 2003. Does protein kinase R mediate TNF-α- and ceramide-induced increases in expression and activation of matrix metalloproteinases in articular cartilage by a novel mechanism?. Arthritis Research & Therapy 6(1), pp. R46-R55. (10.1186/ar1024)
- Gilbert, S. J., Duance, V. C. and Mason, D. J. 2002. Tumour necrosis factor α up-regulates protein kinase R (PKR)-activating protein (PACT) and increases phosphorylation of PKR and eukaryotic initiation factor 2-α in articular chondrocytes. Biochemical Society Transactions 30(6), pp. 886-889. (10.1042/BST0300886)
- Gilbert, S. J., Duance, V. C. and Mason, D. J. 2002. Tumour necrosis factor α up-regulates protein kinase R (PKR)-activating protein (PACT) and increases phosphorylation of PKR and eukaryotic initiation factor 2-α in articular chondrocyte. Biochemical Society Transactions 30, pp. 886-889. (10.1042/bst0300886)
- Blain, E. J., Gilbert, S. J., Wardale, R. J., Capper, S. J., Mason, D. J. and Duance, V. C. 2001. Up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase expression and activation following cyclical compressive loading of articular cartilage in vitro. Archives of biochemistry and biophysics 396(1), pp. 49-55. (10.1006/abbi.2001.2575)
- Vaughan-Thomas, A., Gilbert, S. J. and Duance, V. 2000. Elevated levels of proteolytic enzymes in the aging human vitreous. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 41(11), pp. 3299-32304.
- Gilbert, S. J., Wotton, P. R., Bailey, A. J., Sims, T. J. and Duance, V. C. 2000. Alterations in the organisation, ultrastructure and biochemistry of the myocardial collagen matrix in Doberman pinschers with dilated cardiomyopathy. Research in Veterinary Science 69(3), pp. 267-274. (10.1053/rvsc.2000.0423)
- Gilbert, S. J., Wotton, P. R., Tarlton, J. F., Duance, V. C. and Bailey, A. J. 1997. Increased expression of promatrix metalloproteinase-9 and neutrophil elastase in canine dilated cardiomyopathy. Cardiovascular Research 34(2), pp. 377-383. (10.1016/S0008-6363(97)00011-4)
Book sections
- Gilbert, S. and Blain, E. 2018. Cartilage mechanobiology: how chondrocytes respond to mechanical load. In: Verbruggen, S. ed. Mechanobiology in Health and Disease. London UK: Elsevier, pp. 99-126.
Research
My research interests encompass three areas of cartilage and bone biology, the roles of inflammatory cytokine signalling and mechanical load in joint degeneration and cartilage repair strategies.
Mar 2023 - Current NC3Rs: Testing and validation of an in vitro 3D human chondrocyte model to replace animal use in mehanobiology research.
Aug 2021 - Mar 2023 Orphelian/Versus Arthritis: We used an mGluR5 inhibitor to establish the role of the glutamate signalling pathway in the osteocytes’ response to inflammation or load in our in vitro 3D osteocyte model and in vivo PTOA model and determined the effect of HTO surgery on the regulation of genes involved in bone remodelling.
Jul 2018 - Mar 2022 Wellcome Trust: I used RNAseq to investigate the ‘mechanosome’ in human stem cell-derived osteocytes. In addition, I collaborated with Dr Blain (BIOSI) to investigate load-induced epigenetic regulation in cartilage homeostasis
Jan 2017 - Jul 2018 NC3Rs: The aim of this project was to differentiate human stem cells to bone and cartilage cells to investigate them under mechanical load in 3D models for drug screening. This industrial partnership with Kirkstall and Biogelx was funded by the CRACK IT challenge, a NC3Rs project funding collaboration between industry, academics, and SMEs to reduce the need for animals in research.
Jan 2010 – Dec 2018 Versus Arthritis/Cardiff University Seedcorn: I investigated the role of the signalling molecule, Protein Kinase R (PKR), a master regulator of fundamental cell processes, in the disease mechanisms of bone and cartilage. This work revealed a key role for PKR in cartilage responses to inflammation and load, and more recently in osteoblast differentiation and cytokine-induced bone remodelling. My studies have provided important insights into the molecular mechanisms that may drive joint degeneration. We were given the 2018 award for "Excellence in Basic, Clinical, and Translational Science” bestowed by the Journal of Orthopaedic Research for the publication Gilbert SJ, Bonnet CS, Stadnik PS, Duance VC, Mason DJ, Blain EJ (2018). Inflammatory and degenerative phases resulting from anterior cruciate rupture in a non-invasive murine model of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Journal of Orthopaedic Research 36 (8), pp. 2118-2127.
2007 – 2010 DTI/Smith & Nephew: This research discovered barriers to cartilage-cartilage integration and developed hypotheses for enhanced integration of cartilage. The project required full technical progress reports as well as oral dissemination of results to industrial partners via face to face and skype meetings.
1997 – 2007 Henry Smith Charity/Arthritis Research Campaign: Identification and characterisation of the PKR signalling pathway in joint degeneration.
.Awards
• 1st poster prize winner; Tissue & Cell Engineering Society Annual Conference 2008
• 2018 award for "Excellence in Basic, Clinical, and Translational Science” bestowed by the Journal of Orthopaedic Research for the publication Gilbert SJ, Bonnet CS, Stadnik PS, Duance VC, Mason DJ, Blain EJ (2018). Inflammatory and degenerative phases resulting from anterior cruciate rupture in a non-invasive murine model of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Journal of Orthopaedic Research 36 (8), pp. 2118-2127
Awarded grants
· S.J. Gilbert (£2072) Investigating the role of the mechanosensitive ion channel, Piezo1 in bone remodelling. University Seedcorn fund, 2023
S.J. Gilbert (£1327.34) University Seed corn Fund, May 2018
Deborah Mason (PI), Paul Genever (York), Bronwen Evans, Emma Blain, Sophie Gilbert, Cleo Bonnet, Daniel Aeschlimann, Sam Evans, Cathy Holt and Industrial partners (Kelly Davidge, Kirkstall; Laura Goldie, Biogelx) (£99,820) NC3Rs Crack-IT Challenge, OsteoChip, Jan-Jun 2017
Dr EJ Blain, Dr SJ Gilbert, Dr AJ Hayes (£90,000) I Arthritis Research UK Biomechanics and Bioengineering Centre PhD studentship 2017-2021
S.J. Gilbert (£2500) Company of Biologists Scientific Meeting grant 2016
S.J. Gilbert (£500) Biochemical Society Small Meetings Grant 2016
S.J Gilbert (£530) CITER travel bursary 2016
SJ Gilbert (£2000) Company of Biologists Scientific Meeting grant 2015
SJ Gilbert (£1440) CITER undergraduate student summer placement 2015
SJ Gilbert (£1440) CUROP summer placement 2015
Dr DJ Mason, Dr SJ Gilbert & Prof VC Duance (£81227) Arthritis Research Campaign 2004 –2006
Dr DJ Mason, Dr SJ Gilbert & Prof VC Duance (£92149) Arthritis Research Campaign 2002 –2004
Dr DJ Mason, Dr SJ Gilbert & Prof VC Duance (£46266) Henry Smith's Charity 2000 - 2001
Collaborators
External
- Prof Ladiges and Dr John Morton (Dept Comparative Medicine, University of Washington) – P58IPK knockout studies
- Prof J Tobias and Prof C Gregson (Bristol University)
- Dr Chrissy Hammond (Bristol University)
- Prof. F. Guilak (University of Washington)
Internal
- Dr D J Mason, Dr EJ Blain (School of Biosciences)
Teaching
Undergraduate
• I contribute to teaching on mechanical load and musculoskeletal biology (BI3321: Functional anatomy of the Musculoskeletal System)
• I help deliver lab-based practicals (BI2332: Concepts of Disease) and workshops (BI3351 Contemporary Topics in Disease) and devise, supervise, and assess final year BSc laboratory projects (BI3001)
Postgraduate level:
• I contribute to the Cardiff Institute of Tissue Engineering and Repair (CITER) MSc course (DET002 and BIT001).
• I devise, supervise, and assess MSc Tissue engineering, IAESTE, and Integrated master’s (BI4001) laboratory projects
Biography
I did my undergraduate degree at the University of Newcastle and then completed a PhD in 1997 at the University of Bristol investigating the role of collagen in the pathogenesis of dilated cardiomyopathy. I moved to the Connective Tissue Research Biology Labs in the School of Biosciences, Cardiff in 1997.
Professional memberships
- Member of the Orthopaedic Research Society 2018-current
- Member of the British Society for Matrix Biology and BSMB committee member 2014-2017
- Co-organiser (with Dr Emma Blain) of the BSMB Autumn meeting (130 national and international delegates) – Cardiff Sept 2013
- Organiser of the BSMB Autumn 2016 meeting, Cardiff;
- Member of the Cardiff Institute for Tissue Engineering and Repair and CITER Research committee 2012-2017, Chair of the CITER Engagement committee 2016-2019
- Organiser of the CITER Imaging workshop (January 2017)
- Organiser of the CITER Cell Signalling workshop (April 2014)
- Member of the Tissue & Cell Engineering Society (TCES).
- Member of the Arthritis Research UK Biomechanics and Bioengineering Centre and PPI & Engagement Committee, 2016-
Committees and reviewing
- Associate Editor: Bone and Joint Research Joint - current
- Review Editor for Frontiers in Medicine
- Engagement Committee - Cardiff Institute of Tissue Engineering and Repair Learning
- Research Committee - Cardiff Institute of Tissue Engineering and Repair Learning
Engagement
Outreach/public engagement
@ Science In Health Live, Cardiff
Biology Rocks at the National Museum, Cardiff
Contact Details
GilbertSJ1@cardiff.ac.uk
+44 29208 74287
Sir Martin Evans Building, Room Cardiff School of Biosciences, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX
+44 29208 74287
Sir Martin Evans Building, Room Cardiff School of Biosciences, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX
Research themes
Specialisms
- Animal cell and molecular biology
- Biomechanics
- Cell Biology
