![Deborah Mason](https://profiles-cardiff.imgix.net/attachments/1125?w=200&h=200&auto=format&crop=faces&fit=crop&q=90")
Professor Deborah Mason
Professor, School of Biosciences; Director of Pre-Clinical Research
- MasonDJ@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 29208 74561
- Sir Martin Evans Building, Room Cardiff School of Biosciences, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Overview
I am Co Principal Investigator of the Arthritis Research UK Biomechanics and Bioengineering Centre in Cardiff University, where I lead the Preclinical Research Programme investigating the interaction between biomechanics and biology in joint tissues. I have established a platform of cell, animal and human models to investigate how mechanical load regulates joint pathology. My research elucidates new signalling mechanisms that regulate bone and cartilage turnover, to provide therapeutic and diagnostic targets for musculoskeletal diseases. This has led to the discovery of functional glutamatergic signalling in joint tissues, and revealed new pathways that mediate cytokine- and mechanically- induced cartilage degradation. My research focuses on translating glutamate receptor antagonists as a treatment for osteoarthritis, identifying mechanically-regulated biomarkers and developing a joint mimetic for drug screening.
I have led over 35 research projects (>£8M external funding, recently funded by Wellcome Trust, EPSRC, Versus Arthritis, NC3Rs, Life Sciences Bridging Fund, MRC Confidence in Concept, Arthritis Research UK), invented patents and collaborate with academics, NHS clinicians and industry. I am President of the British Orthopaedic Research Society and have recently served on the Orthopaedic Research Society Programme Committee and as a Topic Chair.
Roles
Cardiff
- Module Leader BI3351 Contemporary Topics in Disease
- Preclinical Research Director, Biomechnics and Bioengineering Research Centre Versus Arthritis
National
- President, British Orthopaedic Research Society
- Translational Theme Lead, Musculoskeletal Research Advisory Group, Versus Arthritis
- Higher Level Evidence Theme Lead, OAtechplus
Interested in joining my lab as a self-funded post-graduate student or a postdoc/fellow? Please contact me by email.
Publication
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)
- Paskins, Z. et al. 2022. Research priorities to reduce the impact of musculoskeletal disorders: a priority setting exercise with the child health and nutrition research initiative method. The Lancet Rheumatology 4(9), pp. 635-645. (10.1016/S2665-9913(22)00136-9)
2021
- Hamilton, R., Holt, C., Jones, R., Shillabeer, D., Sparkes, V. and Mason, D. 2021. Measuring nociception in knee osteoarthritis using physiological and movement responses: a proof-of-concept study. Presented at: British Orthopaedic Research Society, Cardiff, UK, 13-14 September 2021.
- Mason, D., Englund, M. and Watt, F. E. 2021. Prevention of posttraumatic osteoarthritis at the time of injury: Where are we now, and where are we going?. Journal of Orthopaedic Research 39(6), pp. 1152-1163. (10.1002/jor.24982)
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)
2019
- Khatib, N., Biggs, P., Wilson, C., Williams, R., Mason, D. and Holt, C. 2019. Dynamic medial knee overloading influences inflammation and bone remodeling in the degenerative knee [Abstract]. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 27(S1), pp. S44., article number: 29. (10.1016/j.joca.2019.02.063)
- Simonovic, J., Holt, C. and Mason, D. 2019. Semantic insight and behaviour of the computational bone cell population models. Presented at: 25th Congress of the European Society of Biomechanics (ESB 2019), Vienna, Austria, 7-10 July 2019. pp. -.
- Watt, F. E. et al. 2019. Towards prevention of post-traumatic osteoarthritis: report from an international expert working group on considerations for the design and conduct of interventional studies following acute knee injury. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 27(1), pp. 23-33. (10.1016/j.joca.2018.08.001)
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)
- Jähn, K., Mason, D., Ralphs, J., Evans, B., Archer, C., Richards, R. G. and Stoddart, M. 2018. Phenotype and viability of MLO-Y4 cells Is maintained by TGFβ3 in a serum-dependent manner within a 3D-co-culture with MG-63 cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 19(7), article number: 1932. (10.3390/ijms19071932)
- Sanders, R., Bustin, S., Huggett, J. and Mason, D. 2018. Improving the standardization of mRNA measurement by RT-qPCR. Biomolecular Detection and Quantification 15, pp. 13-17. (10.1016/j.bdq.2018.03.001)
- Khatib, N., Papageorgiou, A., Vazquez, M., Flintoft, F., Holt, C. and Mason, D. 2018. How does an AMPA/KA receptor antagonist affect the metabolic profile of a bone co-culture loading model? an NMR spectroscopy approach [Abstract]. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 98(1), pp. A21. (10.1111/iep.12218)
2016
- Holt, C. A. et al. 2016. Biological changes in tibial subchondral bone following high tibial osteotomy. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 24(S1), pp. S511-S511. (10.1016/j.joca.2016.01.935)
- Felson, D. T. et al. 2016. Recommendations for the conduct of efficacy trials of treatment devices for osteoarthritis: a report from a working group of the Arthritis Research UK Osteoarthritis and Crystal Diseases Clinical Studies Group. Rheumatology 55(2), pp. 320-326. (10.1093/rheumatology/kev328)
2015
- Eastwood, S. E., John, A., Jones, S. A., Hodgson, H., Mason, D. J., Waddington, R. and Wei, X. 2015. Osteoclastogenesis-related cytokines and peri-prosthetic osteolysis in revision metal-on-metal total hip replacements. Hip International 25(4), pp. 355-360. (10.5301/hipint.5000241)
2014
- Vazquez, M., Evans, B. A. J., Riccardi, D., Evans, S. L., Ralphs, J. R., Dillingham, C. M. and Mason, D. J. 2014. A new method to investigate how mechanical loading of osteocytes controls osteoblasts. Frontiers in Endocrinology 5, article number: 208. (10.3389/fendo.2014.00208)
- 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)
- Sanders, R., Mason, D. J., Foy, C. A. and Huggett, J. F. 2014. Considerations for accurate gene expression measurement by reverse transcription quantitative PCR when analysing clinical samples. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 406(26), pp. 6471-6483. (10.1007/s00216-014-7857-x)
- 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)
- Scully, N. E. E., Evans, S. L., Mason, D. J. and Evans, B. A. J. 2014. Development of a novel 3D mineralising culture system to investigate the differentiation of osteoblasts to osteocytes. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 95(3), pp. A29-A29. (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)
- Vazquez, M., Evans, B., Evans, S., Ralphs, J., Riccardi, D. and Mason, D. 2014. Development of a novel in vitro 3D osteoblast-osteocyte co-culture model to investigate mechanically-induced signalling. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 95(3), pp. A34-A35. (10.1111/iep.12078)
- Holt, C. A., Whatling, G. M., Bonnet, C., Brakspear, K., Wilson, C., Williams, R. and Mason, D. J. 2014. Correlating biomechanics and biological signals in subjects undergoing high tibial osteotomy. Presented at: Othopaedic Research Society, New Orleans, LA, USA, 15-18th March 2014.
2013
- Sanders, R., Mason, D. J., Foy, C. A. and Huggett, J. F. 2013. Evaluation of digital PCR for absolute RNA quantification. PLoS ONE 8(9), article number: e75296. (10.1371/journal.pone.0075296)
2012
- Brakspear, K. S. and Mason, D. J. 2012. Glutamate signaling in bone. Frontiers in Endocrinology 3, article number: 97. (10.3389/fendo.2012.00097)
- 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.
- Whatling, G. M., Mason, D., Brakspear, K., Roberts, H., Watling, D., Metcalfe, A. and Holt, C. A. 2012. Biomechanical and biological changes following high tibial osteotomy. Presented at: 18th Congress of the European Society of Biomechanics., Lisbon, Portugal, 1-4 July 2012.
2011
- Vazquez, M., Evans, B. A. J., Ralphs, J. R., Riccardi, D. and Mason, D. J. 2011. Bone in vitro 3D osteoblast-osteocyte co-culture model. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 92(6), pp. A18-A18. (10.1111/j.1365-2613.2011.00780.x)
- 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)
- 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)
- Whatling, G. M. et al. 2011. High tibial osteotomy: linking biomechanical and biological changes. Presented at: British Orthopaedic Research Society, Cambridge, 27-29 June 2011.
2010
- Mason, D. J., Brakspear, K. S., Wilson, C., Williams, R. and Kotwal, R. S. 2010. Glutamatergic signalling in the osteoarthritic knee. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 91(2), pp. A34-A35. (10.1111/j.1365-2613.2009.00690.x)
- 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)
- Mason, D. J., Brakspear, K., Wilson, C., Williams, R. and Kotwal, R. 2010. Glutamatergic signals in human arthritis: A link between mechanical, nociceptive and pathological processes. Bone 46, pp. S76. (10.1016/j.bone.2010.01.185)
- Mason, D. J. et al. 2010. Can joint realignment surgery reveal mechanically regulated signals that influence pain and pathology in humans?. Presented at: Annual Meeting of the European Research Society (EORS), Davos, Switzerland, 30 June - 2 July 2010.
2009
- 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)
- Brakspear, K. S., Parsons, P. and Mason, D. J. 2009. Glutamate transporter inhibitors influence osteoblast gene expression and activity. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 90(2), pp. A107-A108. (10.1111/j.1365-2613.2008.00644.x)
- Brakspear, K. S., Parsons, P. and Mason, D. J. 2009. Glutamate transporter inhibitors influence osteoblast gene expression and activity [Abstract]. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 90(2), pp. A107-A108. (10.1111/j.1365-2613.2009.00644.x)
- Mason, D. J., Dillingham, C. M., Williams, S. E., Evans, B. A. J., Brakspear, K. S. and Ralphs, J. 2009. Interactions between osteocytes and osteoblasts in a novel 3D co-culture system [Abstract]. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 90(2), pp. A104. (10.1111/j.1365-2613.2008.00644.x)
- 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.
2008
- 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)
- Mason, D., Dillingham, C. M., Evans, B. A., Brakspear, K. S. and Ralphs, J. R. 2008. A 3D culture system to investigate osteocyte control of osteoblasts. Bone 42(Suppl), pp. S26-S27. (10.1016/j.bone.2007.12.033)
2006
- 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)
2004
- Mason, D. J. 2004. Glutamate signalling and its potential application to tissue engineering of bone. European Cells and Materials 7, pp. 12-26.
- Mason, D. J. 2004. The role of glutamate transporters in bone cell signalling. Journal of Musculoskeletal Neuronal Interactions 4(2), pp. 128-131.
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)
- Blain, E. J., Mason, D. J. and Duance, V. C. 2003. The effect of cyclical compressive loading on gene expression in articular cartilage. Biorheology 40(1-3), pp. 111-117.
- Mason, D. J. and Huggett, J. F. 2003. Elucidation of mechanically-regulated signalling pathways in bone and their application to bone tissue engineering. European Cells and Materials 5(Supp 2), pp. 26-27.
2002
- Blain, E. J., Mason, D. J. and Duance, V. C. 2002. The effect of thymosin β4 on articular cartilage chondrocyte matrix metalloproteinase expression. Biochemical Society Transactions 30(6), pp. 879-882. (10.1042/BST0300879)
- 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)
- Huggett, J. F., Mustafa, A., O'Neal, L. and Mason, D. J. 2002. The glutamate transporter GLAST-1 (EAAT-1) is expressed in the plasma membrane of osteocytes and is responsive to extracellular glutamate concentration.. Biochemical Society Transactions 30(6), pp. 890-893. (10.1042/BST0300890)
- Mason, D. 2002. Glutamate transporters in bone. Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions 2(5), pp. 406-414.
- 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)
- Skerry, T., Genever, P., Taylor, A., Dobson, K., Mason, D. J. and Suva, L. 2001. Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence; The shortcomings of the GLAST knockout mouse [Letter]. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research 16(9), pp. 1729-1730. (10.1359/jbmr.2001.16.9.1729)
- Skerry, T., Genever, P., Taylor, A., Dobson, K., Mason, D. J. and Suva, L. 2001. Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence: The shortcomings of the GLAST knockout mouse [2] [Abstract]. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research 16(9), pp. 1729-1730. (10.1359/jbmr.2001.16.9.1729)
2000
- Huggett, J., Mason, D. J. and Vaughan-Thomas, A. 2000. The open reading frame of the Na+-dependent glutamate transporter GLAST-1 is expressed in bone and a splice variant of this molecule is expressed in bone and brain. FEBS Letters 485(1), pp. 13-18. (10.1016/S0014-5793(00)02175-X)
1997
- Mason, D., Suva, L. J., Genever, P. G., Patton, A. J., Steuckle, S., Hillam, R. A. and Skerry, T. M. 1997. Mechanically regulated expression of a neural glutamate transporter in bone: a role for excitatory amino acids as osteotropic agents?. Bone 20(3), pp. 199-205.
1996
- Mason, D. J., Hillam, R. and Skerry, T. 1996. Constitutive in vivo mRNA expression by osteocytes of β-actin, osteocalcin, connexin-43, IGF-I, c-fos and c-jun, but not TNF- nor tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research 11(3), pp. 350-357. (10.1002/jbmr.5650110308)
1995
- Mason, D. J., RK, B. and P, G. 1995. An unusual mitochondrial DNA polymorphism in the Chorthippus biguttulus species group (Orthoptera:Acrididae). Molecular Ecology 4(1), pp. 121-126. (10.1111/j.1365-294X.1995.tb00199.x)
Articles
- 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)
- Paskins, Z. et al. 2022. Research priorities to reduce the impact of musculoskeletal disorders: a priority setting exercise with the child health and nutrition research initiative method. The Lancet Rheumatology 4(9), pp. 635-645. (10.1016/S2665-9913(22)00136-9)
- Mason, D., Englund, M. and Watt, F. E. 2021. Prevention of posttraumatic osteoarthritis at the time of injury: Where are we now, and where are we going?. Journal of Orthopaedic Research 39(6), pp. 1152-1163. (10.1002/jor.24982)
- 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)
- Khatib, N., Biggs, P., Wilson, C., Williams, R., Mason, D. and Holt, C. 2019. Dynamic medial knee overloading influences inflammation and bone remodeling in the degenerative knee [Abstract]. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 27(S1), pp. S44., article number: 29. (10.1016/j.joca.2019.02.063)
- Watt, F. E. et al. 2019. Towards prevention of post-traumatic osteoarthritis: report from an international expert working group on considerations for the design and conduct of interventional studies following acute knee injury. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 27(1), pp. 23-33. (10.1016/j.joca.2018.08.001)
- 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)
- Jähn, K., Mason, D., Ralphs, J., Evans, B., Archer, C., Richards, R. G. and Stoddart, M. 2018. Phenotype and viability of MLO-Y4 cells Is maintained by TGFβ3 in a serum-dependent manner within a 3D-co-culture with MG-63 cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 19(7), article number: 1932. (10.3390/ijms19071932)
- Sanders, R., Bustin, S., Huggett, J. and Mason, D. 2018. Improving the standardization of mRNA measurement by RT-qPCR. Biomolecular Detection and Quantification 15, pp. 13-17. (10.1016/j.bdq.2018.03.001)
- Khatib, N., Papageorgiou, A., Vazquez, M., Flintoft, F., Holt, C. and Mason, D. 2018. How does an AMPA/KA receptor antagonist affect the metabolic profile of a bone co-culture loading model? an NMR spectroscopy approach [Abstract]. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 98(1), pp. A21. (10.1111/iep.12218)
- Holt, C. A. et al. 2016. Biological changes in tibial subchondral bone following high tibial osteotomy. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 24(S1), pp. S511-S511. (10.1016/j.joca.2016.01.935)
- Felson, D. T. et al. 2016. Recommendations for the conduct of efficacy trials of treatment devices for osteoarthritis: a report from a working group of the Arthritis Research UK Osteoarthritis and Crystal Diseases Clinical Studies Group. Rheumatology 55(2), pp. 320-326. (10.1093/rheumatology/kev328)
- Eastwood, S. E., John, A., Jones, S. A., Hodgson, H., Mason, D. J., Waddington, R. and Wei, X. 2015. Osteoclastogenesis-related cytokines and peri-prosthetic osteolysis in revision metal-on-metal total hip replacements. Hip International 25(4), pp. 355-360. (10.5301/hipint.5000241)
- Vazquez, M., Evans, B. A. J., Riccardi, D., Evans, S. L., Ralphs, J. R., Dillingham, C. M. and Mason, D. J. 2014. A new method to investigate how mechanical loading of osteocytes controls osteoblasts. Frontiers in Endocrinology 5, article number: 208. (10.3389/fendo.2014.00208)
- 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)
- Sanders, R., Mason, D. J., Foy, C. A. and Huggett, J. F. 2014. Considerations for accurate gene expression measurement by reverse transcription quantitative PCR when analysing clinical samples. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 406(26), pp. 6471-6483. (10.1007/s00216-014-7857-x)
- 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)
- Scully, N. E. E., Evans, S. L., Mason, D. J. and Evans, B. A. J. 2014. Development of a novel 3D mineralising culture system to investigate the differentiation of osteoblasts to osteocytes. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 95(3), pp. A29-A29. (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)
- Vazquez, M., Evans, B., Evans, S., Ralphs, J., Riccardi, D. and Mason, D. 2014. Development of a novel in vitro 3D osteoblast-osteocyte co-culture model to investigate mechanically-induced signalling. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 95(3), pp. A34-A35. (10.1111/iep.12078)
- Sanders, R., Mason, D. J., Foy, C. A. and Huggett, J. F. 2013. Evaluation of digital PCR for absolute RNA quantification. PLoS ONE 8(9), article number: e75296. (10.1371/journal.pone.0075296)
- Brakspear, K. S. and Mason, D. J. 2012. Glutamate signaling in bone. Frontiers in Endocrinology 3, article number: 97. (10.3389/fendo.2012.00097)
- 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.
- Vazquez, M., Evans, B. A. J., Ralphs, J. R., Riccardi, D. and Mason, D. J. 2011. Bone in vitro 3D osteoblast-osteocyte co-culture model. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 92(6), pp. A18-A18. (10.1111/j.1365-2613.2011.00780.x)
- 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)
- 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)
- Mason, D. J., Brakspear, K. S., Wilson, C., Williams, R. and Kotwal, R. S. 2010. Glutamatergic signalling in the osteoarthritic knee. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 91(2), pp. A34-A35. (10.1111/j.1365-2613.2009.00690.x)
- 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)
- Mason, D. J., Brakspear, K., Wilson, C., Williams, R. and Kotwal, R. 2010. Glutamatergic signals in human arthritis: A link between mechanical, nociceptive and pathological processes. Bone 46, pp. S76. (10.1016/j.bone.2010.01.185)
- 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)
- Brakspear, K. S., Parsons, P. and Mason, D. J. 2009. Glutamate transporter inhibitors influence osteoblast gene expression and activity. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 90(2), pp. A107-A108. (10.1111/j.1365-2613.2008.00644.x)
- Brakspear, K. S., Parsons, P. and Mason, D. J. 2009. Glutamate transporter inhibitors influence osteoblast gene expression and activity [Abstract]. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 90(2), pp. A107-A108. (10.1111/j.1365-2613.2009.00644.x)
- Mason, D. J., Dillingham, C. M., Williams, S. E., Evans, B. A. J., Brakspear, K. S. and Ralphs, J. 2009. Interactions between osteocytes and osteoblasts in a novel 3D co-culture system [Abstract]. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 90(2), pp. A104. (10.1111/j.1365-2613.2008.00644.x)
- 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., 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)
- Mason, D., Dillingham, C. M., Evans, B. A., Brakspear, K. S. and Ralphs, J. R. 2008. A 3D culture system to investigate osteocyte control of osteoblasts. Bone 42(Suppl), pp. S26-S27. (10.1016/j.bone.2007.12.033)
- 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)
- Mason, D. J. 2004. Glutamate signalling and its potential application to tissue engineering of bone. European Cells and Materials 7, pp. 12-26.
- Mason, D. J. 2004. The role of glutamate transporters in bone cell signalling. Journal of Musculoskeletal Neuronal Interactions 4(2), pp. 128-131.
- 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)
- Blain, E. J., Mason, D. J. and Duance, V. C. 2003. The effect of cyclical compressive loading on gene expression in articular cartilage. Biorheology 40(1-3), pp. 111-117.
- Mason, D. J. and Huggett, J. F. 2003. Elucidation of mechanically-regulated signalling pathways in bone and their application to bone tissue engineering. European Cells and Materials 5(Supp 2), pp. 26-27.
- Blain, E. J., Mason, D. J. and Duance, V. C. 2002. The effect of thymosin β4 on articular cartilage chondrocyte matrix metalloproteinase expression. Biochemical Society Transactions 30(6), pp. 879-882. (10.1042/BST0300879)
- 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)
- Huggett, J. F., Mustafa, A., O'Neal, L. and Mason, D. J. 2002. The glutamate transporter GLAST-1 (EAAT-1) is expressed in the plasma membrane of osteocytes and is responsive to extracellular glutamate concentration.. Biochemical Society Transactions 30(6), pp. 890-893. (10.1042/BST0300890)
- Mason, D. 2002. Glutamate transporters in bone. Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions 2(5), pp. 406-414.
- 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)
- Skerry, T., Genever, P., Taylor, A., Dobson, K., Mason, D. J. and Suva, L. 2001. Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence; The shortcomings of the GLAST knockout mouse [Letter]. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research 16(9), pp. 1729-1730. (10.1359/jbmr.2001.16.9.1729)
- Skerry, T., Genever, P., Taylor, A., Dobson, K., Mason, D. J. and Suva, L. 2001. Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence: The shortcomings of the GLAST knockout mouse [2] [Abstract]. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research 16(9), pp. 1729-1730. (10.1359/jbmr.2001.16.9.1729)
- Huggett, J., Mason, D. J. and Vaughan-Thomas, A. 2000. The open reading frame of the Na+-dependent glutamate transporter GLAST-1 is expressed in bone and a splice variant of this molecule is expressed in bone and brain. FEBS Letters 485(1), pp. 13-18. (10.1016/S0014-5793(00)02175-X)
- Mason, D., Suva, L. J., Genever, P. G., Patton, A. J., Steuckle, S., Hillam, R. A. and Skerry, T. M. 1997. Mechanically regulated expression of a neural glutamate transporter in bone: a role for excitatory amino acids as osteotropic agents?. Bone 20(3), pp. 199-205.
- Mason, D. J., Hillam, R. and Skerry, T. 1996. Constitutive in vivo mRNA expression by osteocytes of β-actin, osteocalcin, connexin-43, IGF-I, c-fos and c-jun, but not TNF- nor tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research 11(3), pp. 350-357. (10.1002/jbmr.5650110308)
- Mason, D. J., RK, B. and P, G. 1995. An unusual mitochondrial DNA polymorphism in the Chorthippus biguttulus species group (Orthoptera:Acrididae). Molecular Ecology 4(1), pp. 121-126. (10.1111/j.1365-294X.1995.tb00199.x)
Conferences
- Hamilton, R., Holt, C., Jones, R., Shillabeer, D., Sparkes, V. and Mason, D. 2021. Measuring nociception in knee osteoarthritis using physiological and movement responses: a proof-of-concept study. Presented at: British Orthopaedic Research Society, Cardiff, UK, 13-14 September 2021.
- Simonovic, J., Holt, C. and Mason, D. 2019. Semantic insight and behaviour of the computational bone cell population models. Presented at: 25th Congress of the European Society of Biomechanics (ESB 2019), Vienna, Austria, 7-10 July 2019. pp. -.
- Holt, C. A., Whatling, G. M., Bonnet, C., Brakspear, K., Wilson, C., Williams, R. and Mason, D. J. 2014. Correlating biomechanics and biological signals in subjects undergoing high tibial osteotomy. Presented at: Othopaedic Research Society, New Orleans, LA, USA, 15-18th March 2014.
- Whatling, G. M., Mason, D., Brakspear, K., Roberts, H., Watling, D., Metcalfe, A. and Holt, C. A. 2012. Biomechanical and biological changes following high tibial osteotomy. Presented at: 18th Congress of the European Society of Biomechanics., Lisbon, Portugal, 1-4 July 2012.
- Whatling, G. M. et al. 2011. High tibial osteotomy: linking biomechanical and biological changes. Presented at: British Orthopaedic Research Society, Cambridge, 27-29 June 2011.
- Mason, D. J. et al. 2010. Can joint realignment surgery reveal mechanically regulated signals that influence pain and pathology in humans?. Presented at: Annual Meeting of the European Research Society (EORS), Davos, Switzerland, 30 June - 2 July 2010.
Research
My research elucidates new signalling mechanisms that regulate bone and cartilage turnover, to provide therapeutic and diagnostic targets for osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. This has led to the discovery of functional glutamatergic signalling in bone and synovium, and revealed new pathways that mediate cytokine- and mechanically- induced cartilage degradation. As Preclinical Research Directorr in the Arthritis Research UK Biomechanics and Bioengineering Centre, I lead research investigating the links between pain, inflammation and pathology in human arthritis. We have developed a range of protocols and cell, explant, animal and human models to investigate how altered joint biomechanics influences biological signals.
Current research
- Lead Translation of glutamate receptors antagonists to veterinary osteoarthritis, RWIF Innovation for all, £9,880
- Applicant Mechano-transduction modelling of the bone niche driving prostate metastatic cancer. Cancer Research Wales (2019 -22) £147, 301
- Lead Could anti-inflammatory treatment at ACL reconstruction improve biological, functional and clinical outcomes? Knowledge, Economy Skills Scholarships 2 East Wales (2019-22) £80,385
- Lead We don’t care how much it hurts (we do care about your nociception), IUK (2019-20) £14,996.
- Lead Repurposing drugs to prevent posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Versus Arthritis (2019-20) £49,064
- Applicant. The role of size, shape and structure of bones and joints, in explaining common musculoskeletal diseases. Wellcome Trust Collaboration Award (2018-23) £1,711,356.00
- Applicant Glutamate receptor antagonists as a novel approach to treat cruciate ligament disease in dogs – an observational study, 2017-21, British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association, £4,582
- Co-lead Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre. Versus Arthritis (2016-2022), £2M
I am a Professor in the School of Biosciences and Co Principal Investigator (PI) and Director of Preclinical Research at the Biomechanics and Bioengineering Centre Versus Arthritis, Cardiff University. I am a molecular and cell biologist in the field of musculoskeletal diseases. After my BSc in Zoology and Genetics and PhD in Evolutionary Genetics, my post-doctoral research revealed bone cell gene expression in vivo and implicated glutamatergic signaling in mechanically-induced bone formation. My research has revealed that glutamate release is regulated in arthritis, that glutamate transporters and receptors function in musculoskeletal tissues and that their inhibition protects against inflammatory and post-traumatic osteoarthritis in animal models. Investigating the role of glutamate in bone and joint disease has been the focus of my career and is leading to new therapeutic approaches for arthritis with industrial and clinical collaborators.
My research has expanded into investigating other mechanically-induced molecular signals in cell, animal and human models that we have created in our Centre. In 2009, we set up the first longitudinal study relating biomechanical effects of surgical realignment of knee joints by high tibial osteotomy in patients with osteoarthritis to biological signals. The 3D bone models we have created are being developed as potential drug screening tools and to reveal functional genomics underlying genome wide associations with osteoarthritis and bone mineral density.
My work encompasses biosciences, engineering and orthopaedics. My determination to bridge the translational gap between basic science discoveries and clinical medicine has extended my research to report expert opinions on trial design for post-traumatic osteoarthritis. To assess evidence and impact across disciplines I have conducted research to standardize reporting interdisciplinary research and molecular measurement.
My major contribution has been to reveal a role for glutamatergic signaling in musculoskeletal pathology. I have shown that glutamate transporters are mechanically regulated in bone cells and modulate bone formation, revealed a pathological role for glutamate receptors in arthritis, and linked this to new pathways of cytokine- and mechanically- induced bone and cartilage degradation. These signaling mechanisms provide new therapeutic/diagnostic opportunities for osteoporosis and arthritis leading to patents granted in US, Europe and China, and clinical and industrial partnerships. To progress this work, I have organised international expert groups and workshops to consider trial design for prevention of post-traumatic osteoarthritis and demonstrated efficacy of these drugs in preclinical models.
- Mason DJ, Suva LJ, Genever PG, Patton AJ, Steuckle S, Hillam RA, and Skerry TM (1997). Mechanically-regulated expression of a neural glutamate transporter in bone. A role for excitatory amino acids as osteotropic agents? Bone 20 (3):199-20.
- Flood S, Parri R, Williams A, Duance V and Mason DJ (2007) Modulation of interleukin-6 and matrix metalloproteinase 2 expression in human fibroblast-like synoviocytes by functional ionotropic glutamate receptors. Arthritis and Rheumatism 56(8): 2523-2534.
- Bonnet CS, Williams AS, Gilbert SJ, Harvey AK, Evans BA, and Mason DJ (2015). AMPA and kainate glutamate receptors contribute to inflammation, degeneration and pain related behaviour in inflammatory stages of arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2015 Jan;74(1):242-51.
- Watt F, Corp N, Kingsbury S, Frobell R, Englund M, Felson D, Levesque M, Majumdar S, Wilson C, Beard D, Lohmander S, Kraus V, Roemer F, Expert Working Group Author Block and Conaghan P, Mason DJ (senior author) (2019) Towards prevention of post-traumatic osteoarthritis: report from an international expert working group on considerations for the design and conduct of interventional studies following acute knee injury. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 2019 Jan;27(1):23-33.
- Bonnet CS, Gilbert SJ, Blain EJ, Williams AS, Mason DJ (2020) AMPA and Kainate glutamate receptor antagonists prevent post-traumatic osteoarthritis. JCI Insight. 2020;5(13):e134055.
I have developed a series of cell, explant, and animal models and used them to investigate mechanically-induced signaling that drives osteoarthritis pathology. These include the first 3D osteocyte loading model and a mouse model of post-traumatic osteoarthritis for drug screening.
- Blain EJ, Gilbert SJ, Wardale RJ, Capper SJ, Mason DJ, Duance VC (2001) Up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase expression and activation following cyclical compressive loading of articular cartilage in vitro. Arch Biochem Biophys 396:49-55.
- Blain EJ, Mason DJ, Duance VC (2002) The effect of cyclic compressive loading on gene expression in articular cartilage. Biorheology 40(1,2,3):111-117.
- Vazquez M, Evans BAJ, Riccardi D, Evans SL, Ralphs JR, Dillingham CM, Mason DJ (2014) A new method to investigate how mechanical loading of osteocytes controls osteoblasts Front. Endocrinol (Bone Research) Front. Endocrinol. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00208
- Gilbert, S, Bonnet, C, Stadnik, P, Duance, V, Mason, DJ, and Blain, E. (2018) Inflammatory and degenerative phases resulting from anterior cruciate rupture in a non-invasive murine model of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. J Orth Res. 36, 8, 2118-2127 (Journal of Orthopaedic Research, Excellence in Basic Science Award 2019)
I have revealed new pathological mechanisms that govern cartilage responses to inflammatory signals involving the protein kinase R pathway.
- Gilbert SJ, Meakin L, Bonnet CS, Nowell M, Ladiges W, Morton J, Duance VC and Mason DJ (2014) Deletion of P58IPK, the Cellular Inhibitor of the Protein Kinases PKR and PERK, causes bone changes and Joint Degeneration in Mice Front. Endocrinol. (Bone Research) doi: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00174
- Gilbert SJ, Blain EJ, Vaughan-Thomas A, Duance VC and Mason DJ (2012) Protein kinase R plays a pivotal role in the oncostatin M and interleukin-1 signalling in bovine articular cartilage chondrocytes. European Cells and Materials 23: 41-57
- Gilbert SJ, Blain EJ, Duance VC and Mason DJ (2008) Sphingomyelinase decreases type II collagen expression in bovine articular chondrocytes via the ERK signaling pathway. Arthritis and Rheumatism 58:209-220.
- Gilbert SJ, Duance VC, Mason DJ (2004) Does PKR mediate TNF alpha and ceramide induced increases in expression and activation of MMPs in articular cartilage by a novel mechanism? Arthritis Res Ther 6:46-55.
I have also contributed to standards testing the strengths and limitations of molecular measurement by PCR.
- Sanders R, Bustin S, Huggett J and Mason DJ (2018) Improving the standardization of mRNA measurement by RT-qPCR. Biomolecular Detection and Quantification 15 (May): 13-17.
- Sanders R, Mason DJ, Foy CA, Huggett JF. (2014) Considerations for accurate gene expression measurement by reverse transcription quantitative PCR when analysing clinical samples. Anal Bioanal Chem. 2014 Oct;406(26):6471-83.
- Sanders R, Mason DJ, Foy CA and Huggett JF (2013) Evaluation of Digital PCR for Absolute RNA Quantification PLOS one 8(9): e75296.
Collaborators
COLLABORATIONS: Industrial Hospital Innovations, AvantiCell Sciences, LGC, Novartis, Boehringher-Ingelheim, Seda Pharmaceutical Services, Kirkstall, Biogelx. Academic Dr Genever (York), Prof Tobias (Bristol), Prof McGregor (Imperial), Prof Little (Sydney, Australia), Mr Wilson (Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust), Prof Fiona Watt (Oxford). Cardiff Prof Cathy Holt (Engineering), Prof James Birchall and Dr Charles Heard (Pharmacy).Prof Anwen Williams and Dr Bronwen Evans (Medicine), Dr Emma Blain, Prof Val Sparkes (Healthcare).
Current research group members
Post Doctoral research associates
- Dr Sophie Gilbert
- Dr Paul White
PhD students
- Joel Alves
- Ryan Jones
Teaching
I am an enthusiastic and effective lecturer contributing to a range of teaching activities (tutorials, lectures, workshops, practical, projects) across various levels and Degree Schemes (BSc: Biomolecular, Biomedical, Medical, Dental; MSc). I adapt my methods according to student feedback, peer assessment and student achievement. As Level 1 Co-ordinator for Biochemistry Degree Schemes, Molecular Biology Degree Scheme Co-ordinator and Final Year Tutor for all Biomolecular Schemes I have made major contributions to management, teaching, course design and administration.
I currently Lead the final year Contemporary Topics in Disease Module, where cutting edge research in the School of Biosciences demonstrates how research can reveal pathological mechanisms and identify and test new treatments across a wide range of diseases.
Biography
Deborah Mason is a Professor in the School of Biosciences and is Co Principal Investigator and Preclinical Research Director in the Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Versus Arthritis at Cardiff University. Her research programme uses a range of cell, explant, animal and human models to determine how altered joint biomechanics influences biological signals. After her BSc in Zoology and Genetics and PhD in Evolutionary Genetics, her post-doctoral research implicated glutamatergic signalling in mechanically-induced bone formation. Since then, she has led >40 research projects encompassing biosciences, engineering and orthopaedics. Her research has identified new drug targets and biomarkers for osteoarthritis, and developed new in vitro models for drug screening and biomarker selection. This has led to granted patents and collaboration with pharmaceutical companies. Her overall ambition is to improve understanding of the biological mechanisms that link mechanical loading, pain, inflammation and joint destruction in arthritis, and exploit this knowledge for patient benefit. She is President of the British Orthopaedics Research Society and has served on Committees for the Orthopaedics Research Society, British Orthopaedic Research Society and Bone Research Society. She has organized and published outputs from international workshops on how to conduct clinical trials for post-traumatic osteoarthritis. She contributes extensively to teaching and public engagement activities.
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Supervisions
I am interested in supervising students in the areas of:
- developing new preventative treatments for osteoarthritis
- early diagnosis of osteoarthritis
- cell models for drug screening
