![Deborah Mason BSc (Cardiff), PhD (Cardiff) FIOR](https://profiles-cardiff.imgix.net/attachments/1125?w=200&h=200&auto=format&crop=faces&fit=crop&q=90")
Professor Deborah Mason
(she/her)
BSc (Cardiff), PhD (Cardiff) FIOR
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Teams and roles for Deborah Mason
Professor
Biomedicine Department
Overview
I am Co-Director of the Arthritis UK Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre of Excellence 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 and pain. 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 joint degradation and establish how this influences pain. 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 40 research projects (recently funded by NIHR, NC3Rs, Arthritis UK, Industry, Orthopaedics Research UK, Wellcome Trust, EPSRC, Versus Arthritis, ), invented patents and collaborate with academics, NHS and veterinary clinicians and industry. I am a Fellow of International Orthopaedic Research of the ICORS International College of Fellows in recognition of excellent professional standing and high achievements in the field of orthopaedic research.
Roles
Cardiff
- Co Director, Arthritis UK Biomechnics and Bioengineering Research Centre
- Module Leader BI3351 Contemporary Topics in Disease
- Cardiff Innovations@sbarc Management Board
National
- Past President and Chair of Trustees, British Orthopaedic Research Society
- Translational Theme Lead, Musculoskeletal Research Advisory Group, Versus Arthritis
- ‘Trials in at risk populations’ subtheme lead in NIHR Translational Research Collaboration’s Common Musculoskeletal Conditions Workstream
International
- Equality, diversity and inclusivity task force of the International Combined Orthopaedic Research Societies
- Fellow of International Orthopaedic Research
Interested in joining my lab as a self-funded post-graduate student or a postdoc/fellow? Please contact me by email.
Publication
2026
- Rix, L. et al., 2026. A thematic narrative review of osteoarthritis risk factors across the female life course. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 27 (18) 8083. (10.3390/ijms27188083)
- Jones, R. , Gilbert, S. and Mason, D. 2026. A predictive model for the investigation of osteoarthritic pain [Abstract]. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 34 (S), pp.S61. (10.1016/j.joca.2026.01.058)
- Jones, R. et al. 2026. Sex based differences in IPSC derived nociceptor responses to osteoarthritic synovial fluid [Abstract]. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 34 (S), pp.S370-S371. (10.1016/j.joca.2026.01.534)
- Jones, R. et al. 2026. A comparison of IPSC derived nociceptors in modelling osteoarthritic pain [Abstract]. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 34 (Supp), pp.S369-S370. (10.1016/j.joca.2026.01.532)
2024
- Jones, R. et al. 2024. Osteocytes contribute to sex-specific differences in osteoarthritic pain. Frontiers in Endocrinology 15 1480274. (10.3389/fendo.2024.1480274)
- 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. et al. 2024. Investigating mechanical and inflammatory pathological mechanisms in osteoarthritis using MSC-derived osteocyte-like cells in 3D. Frontiers in Endocrinology 15 1359052. (10.3389/fendo.2024.1359052)
- Whittaker, J. L. et al., 2024. Toward designing human intervention studies to prevent osteoarthritis after knee injury: A report from an interdisciplinary OARSI 2023 workshop. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open 6 (2) 100449. (10.1016/j.ocarto.2024.100449)
- Hamilton, R. et al. 2024. Utilising electrodermal activity sensor signals to quantify nociceptive response during movement activities. BMC Research Notes 17 36. (10.1186/s13104-024-06689-9)
2023
- Hamilton, R. et al. 2023. Measuring osteoarthritis knee nociception using physiological and movement response and a defined thermal stimulus: A proof-of-concept study.. Presented at: The International Combined Orthopaedic Research Societies (ICORS), World Congress of Orthopaedic Research Edinburgh, UK 7-9 September 2022. Orthopaedic Proceedings. Vol. 105-B,., pp.20-20. (10.1302/1358-992X.2023.8.020)
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 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. et al. 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. et al. 2020. AMPA/kainate glutamate receptor antagonists prevent posttraumatic osteoarthritis. JCI Insight 5 (13) e134055. (10.1172/jci.insight.134055)
2019
- Khatib, N. et al. 2019. Dynamic medial knee overloading influences inflammation and bone remodeling in the degenerative knee [Abstract]. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 27 (S1), pp.S44. 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. et al. 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. et al., 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) 1932. (10.3390/ijms19071932)
- Sanders, R. et al., 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. et al. 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. et al., 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. et al. 2014. A new method to investigate how mechanical loading of osteocytes controls osteoblasts. Frontiers in Endocrinology 5 208. (10.3389/fendo.2014.00208)
- Bonnet, C. S. et al. 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 5 174. (10.3389/fendo.2014.00174)
- Sanders, R. et al. 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. et al. 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. et al. 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)
- Scully, N. E. E. et al., 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)
- Vazquez, M. et al. 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. et al. 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. et al. 2013. Evaluation of digital PCR for absolute RNA quantification. PLoS ONE 8 (9) e75296. (10.1371/journal.pone.0075296)
2012
- Bonnet, C. et al. 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.
- Brakspear, K. S. and Mason, D. J. 2012. Glutamate signaling in bone. Frontiers in Endocrinology 3 97. (10.3389/fendo.2012.00097)
- Gilbert, S. J. et al. 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. et al. 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
- 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)
- Vazquez, M. et al. 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)
- 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
- Gilbert, S. J. et al. 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. et al. 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)
- Mason, D. J. et al. 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
- 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)
- 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 [Abstract]. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 90 (2), pp.A107-A108. (10.1111/j.1365-2613.2009.00644.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.
- Mason, D. J. et al. 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)
2008
- Gilbert, S. J. et al. 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. et al. 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. et al. 2006. Exogenous sphingomyelinase increases collagen and sulphated glycosaminoglycan production by primary articular chondrocytes: an in vitro study. Arthritis research & therapy 8 (4) 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 chondrocyte. Biochemical Society Transactions 30 , 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 chondrocytes. Biochemical Society Transactions 30 (6), pp.886-889. (10.1042/BST0300886)
- Huggett, J. F. et al., 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.
2001
- Blain, E. J. et al. 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. et al., 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)
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. et al. 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)
Cynadleddau
- Hamilton, R. et al. 2023. Measuring osteoarthritis knee nociception using physiological and movement response and a defined thermal stimulus: A proof-of-concept study.. Presented at: The International Combined Orthopaedic Research Societies (ICORS), World Congress of Orthopaedic Research Edinburgh, UK 7-9 September 2022. Orthopaedic Proceedings. Vol. 105-B,., pp.20-20. (10.1302/1358-992X.2023.8.020)
- Hamilton, R. et al. 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. et al. 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. et al. 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.
Erthyglau
- Rix, L. et al., 2026. A thematic narrative review of osteoarthritis risk factors across the female life course. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 27 (18) 8083. (10.3390/ijms27188083)
- Jones, R. , Gilbert, S. and Mason, D. 2026. A predictive model for the investigation of osteoarthritic pain [Abstract]. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 34 (S), pp.S61. (10.1016/j.joca.2026.01.058)
- Jones, R. et al. 2026. Sex based differences in IPSC derived nociceptor responses to osteoarthritic synovial fluid [Abstract]. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 34 (S), pp.S370-S371. (10.1016/j.joca.2026.01.534)
- Jones, R. et al. 2026. A comparison of IPSC derived nociceptors in modelling osteoarthritic pain [Abstract]. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 34 (Supp), pp.S369-S370. (10.1016/j.joca.2026.01.532)
- Jones, R. et al. 2024. Osteocytes contribute to sex-specific differences in osteoarthritic pain. Frontiers in Endocrinology 15 1480274. (10.3389/fendo.2024.1480274)
- 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. et al. 2024. Investigating mechanical and inflammatory pathological mechanisms in osteoarthritis using MSC-derived osteocyte-like cells in 3D. Frontiers in Endocrinology 15 1359052. (10.3389/fendo.2024.1359052)
- Whittaker, J. L. et al., 2024. Toward designing human intervention studies to prevent osteoarthritis after knee injury: A report from an interdisciplinary OARSI 2023 workshop. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open 6 (2) 100449. (10.1016/j.ocarto.2024.100449)
- Hamilton, R. et al. 2024. Utilising electrodermal activity sensor signals to quantify nociceptive response during movement activities. BMC Research Notes 17 36. (10.1186/s13104-024-06689-9)
- 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 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. et al. 2020. AMPA/kainate glutamate receptor antagonists prevent posttraumatic osteoarthritis. JCI Insight 5 (13) e134055. (10.1172/jci.insight.134055)
- Khatib, N. et al. 2019. Dynamic medial knee overloading influences inflammation and bone remodeling in the degenerative knee [Abstract]. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 27 (S1), pp.S44. 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. et al. 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. et al., 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) 1932. (10.3390/ijms19071932)
- Sanders, R. et al., 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. et al. 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. et al., 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. et al. 2014. A new method to investigate how mechanical loading of osteocytes controls osteoblasts. Frontiers in Endocrinology 5 208. (10.3389/fendo.2014.00208)
- Bonnet, C. S. et al. 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 5 174. (10.3389/fendo.2014.00174)
- Sanders, R. et al. 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. et al. 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. et al. 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)
- Scully, N. E. E. et al., 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)
- Vazquez, M. et al. 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. et al. 2013. Evaluation of digital PCR for absolute RNA quantification. PLoS ONE 8 (9) e75296. (10.1371/journal.pone.0075296)
- Bonnet, C. et al. 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.
- Brakspear, K. S. and Mason, D. J. 2012. Glutamate signaling in bone. Frontiers in Endocrinology 3 97. (10.3389/fendo.2012.00097)
- Gilbert, S. J. et al. 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)
- Vazquez, M. et al. 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)
- Gilbert, S. J. et al. 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. et al. 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)
- Mason, D. J. et al. 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)
- 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)
- 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 [Abstract]. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 90 (2), pp.A107-A108. (10.1111/j.1365-2613.2009.00644.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.
- Mason, D. J. et al. 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. et al. 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. et al. 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. et al. 2006. Exogenous sphingomyelinase increases collagen and sulphated glycosaminoglycan production by primary articular chondrocytes: an in vitro study. Arthritis research & therapy 8 (4) 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 chondrocyte. Biochemical Society Transactions 30 , 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 chondrocytes. Biochemical Society Transactions 30 (6), pp.886-889. (10.1042/BST0300886)
- Huggett, J. F. et al., 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.
- Blain, E. J. et al. 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. et al., 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)
- 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. et al. 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)
Research
I am a molecular and cell biologist in the field of musculoskeletal diseases. My research has revealed that glutamate release is regulated in arthritis, that glutamate receptors function in musculoskeletal tissues and that their inhibition protects against osteoarthritis in animal models. This is leading towards new therapies for osteoarthritis with granted patents. We created cell, animal and human models to how mechanical loading influences osteoarthritis degeneration and pain. Our 3D bone models are being developed as drug screening tools, to reveal functional genomics underlying genome wide associations with osteoarthritis and to investigate bone-nerve interactions and pain. We are investigating sex specific mechanisms underlying osteoarthritis to explore why females are more susceptible to osteoarthritis, and feel more pain, especially post menopause. My determination to bridge the translational gap between basic science discoveries and clinical medicine has extended my research to international workshops and papers on trial design for post-traumatic osteoarthritis.
Current research grants
- Defining Translational Research Priorities for Osteoarthritis in Menopause: A Multidisciplinary
Delphi Consensus Study (2026-27) £19,963 - SMART - Study of Molecular and Clinical Readouts for Traumatic Osteoarthritis NIHR Pump priming - UK Musculoskeletal Translational Research Centre (2026-27) £29,978
- Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Versus Arthritis (2016-28) £2.27M
- A human bone-sensory nerve model to investigate bone derived pain. NC3Rs (2023-26) £633,628
- Non-radiographic osteoarthritis: a metabolic, biochemical and RNA expression study in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease/rupture. (2024-26) BVOA £9948
Recent projects
- Identifying objective measures of sex-specific pain in humans that can be used diagnostically to target treatment. Orthopaedics Research UK (2024-25) £47,000
- Investigating glutamate receptors in osteoarthritis: Industry (Jan-Oct 2023) £172,000
- Could anti-inflammatory treatment at ACL reconstruction improve biological, functional and clinical outcomes? Knowledge, Economy Skills Scholarships 2 East Wales Project (2020-23) £80,385
- Translation of glutamate receptors antagonists to veterinary osteoarthritis. Welsh Government Innovation for All and Knoell Animal Health Ltd (2022-23) £10,000 PI Pilot investigation of glutamate receptor expression in osteoarthritis. Orphelion (2021-22) £27,452
- Investigating glutamate receptors in osteoarthritis: pilot study funded by industry (Apr-Sept 2022) £71,271PI Biological, clinical and biomechanical factors affecting High Tibial Osteotomy Surgery. Alison Kinghorn, MD project (2018-2020) Versus Arthritis and Cardiff and Vale Orthopaedic Centre £40,000
- Quantification of inflammatory and early OA biomarkers in canine cranial cruciate ligament disease. Petplan Charitable Trust (2021-2022) £9860CoI Osteoarthritis nociceptive measures. EPSRC (Apr - Aug 2022) £42805.
- Mechanotransduction modelling of the bone niche driving prostate metastatic cancer. Cancer Research Wales (2019-21) £147,301
- The role of size, shape and structure of bones and joints, in explaining common musculoskeletal diseases. Wellcome Trust Collaboration Award (2018-23) £1,565,599
- Repurposing AMP397 to prevent posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Versus Arthritis (2019-22) £49,064
- Glutamate receptor antagonists as a novel approach to treat cruciate ligament disease in dogs – an observational study. British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association (2017-19) £4,582
Current Collaborations
Industry Hospital Innovations, Novartis, Orphelion Academic Prof Tobias (Bristol), Mr Wilson (Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust), Dr Fiona Watt (Imperial), Prof Karina Wright (Keele), Mr Stephen McDonnell (Cambridge), Prof Mandy Peffers (Liverpool), Dr Charlotte Hulme (Keele). Cardiff Prof Cathy Holt (Engineering), Dr David Williams (Engineering), Dr Emma Blain (Biosciences).
Current research group members
- Dr Ryan Jones
- Mr Joel Alves
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 Director of the Arthritis UK Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre of Excellence 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 was past President of the British Orthopaedics Research Society and has served on Committees for the International Combined Orthopaedic Research Societies, 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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Honours and awards
- Presidents Medal, British Orthopaedic Research Society (2024)
- Fellow International Orthopaedic Research Society (2022)
Professional memberships
- International Combined Orthopaedic Research Societies (2020-26)
- British Orthopaedics Research Society (2018-26)
- Orthopaedics Research Society (2017-25)
- European Orthopaedic Research Society (2017-25)
- Bone Research Society (2008-22)
- American Society of Bone Research (2009-2016)
Speaking engagements
International invited talks
- 'The concept of Pre-Osteoarthritis or Can Osteoarthritis be defined before it becomes clinically relevant? Orthopaedics Research Society Annual Meeting, San Francisco, US (February, 2027)
- 'Developing a bone-sensory nerve model: lessons learned from research of pain in osteoarthritis' International Combined Orthopaedic Research Society's Conference in Adelaide, Australia (October, 2025)
- ‘The Biological Concept of Pre-OA’. International Combined Orthopaedic Research Society's Conference in Adelaide, Australia (October, 2025)
- ‘Using cell and human models to identify mechanical drivers of osteoarthritis'. European Orthopaedic Research Society Annual Meeting, Davos, Switzerland (June, 2025)
National Invited talks
- ‘Repurposing epilepsy treatments to prevent osteoarthritis.’The British Orthopaedic Association Annual Congress, 16th – 18th Liverpool, (September, 2025).
- 'From bones to brain (and back again?).' Presidents Medal Lecture British Orthopaedic Research Society, Sheffield (September, 2024).
Committees and reviewing
COMMITTEES
- Arthritis UK College of Experts (2026-)
- Equality, diversity and inclusivity task force, International Combined Orthopaedic Research Societies (2026-)
- Chair of Trustees, and Trustee, British Orthopaedics Research Society (2020-26)
- International Combined Orthopaedic Research Societies Committee (2021-22)
- President, British Orthopaedics Research Society (2020-22)
- British Orthopaedics Association Research Committee (2020-22)
- Bone Topic Chair, Orthopaedics Research Society (2019-20)
- Executive Committee, British Orthopaedics Research Society (2018-22)
- Programme Committee, Bone Research Society & British Orthopaedics Research Society (2019)
- Programme Committee, Orthopaedics Research Society (US) (2017-19)
- Scientific Committee, European Orthopaedic Research Society (2017-18)
- Arthritis Research UK Fellowship Award Committee (2017-18)
- Arthritis Research UK Disease Sub‑Committee (2017)
- Executive Committee, Bone Research Society (2010-13)
- Chair, Programme Committee, British Orthopaedics Research Society (2009-10)
ADVISORY ROLES
- Musculoskeletal Research Advisory Group, Translation Theme Lead, Versus Arthritis (2019-2026)
- Scientific Advisory Board, NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre for Musculoskeletal Trials (2019)
- REF Reviewer for Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde (2019)
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
Engagement
My research involves commercial, clinical and interdisciplinary collaborators, promoting links between Industry, NHS, and veterinary practices. I organised the first International Expert Opinion Group on Knee Injury Intervention Trial Design (2016) involving clinicians, scientists, engineers, pharma and patients, leading to a senior author publication (Watt et al. 2019), and international workshops in US (ORS, 2019) and Edinburgh (ICORS 2022), translating our research towards clinical applications, and influencing international practice.
I regularly contribute to public engagement activities and have worked with PPIE members on Versus Arthritis Musculoskeletal Advisory Group, for example, co-authoring a Research Priorities Exercise PMC9584828.
The Arthritis UK Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre involves PPIE partners in research. In 2025 the Arthritis UK Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre impact soft launch webinar (attended by 69 people), showcase and associated report attracted extensive public interest and engagement achieving reach and impact. The Showcase involved a facilitated discussion with individuals with osteoarthritis about how Centre work impacts patients. I facilitated discussions around the impact of basic science research.
I regularly present and chair at national and international conferences. My submitted grant applications have involved active collaboration with the public as an integral part of the work.
News articles
Contact Details
Research themes
Specialisms
- Osteoarthritis
- glutamate signalling
- osteocytes
- Mechanobiology
- Disease mechanisms
