Peptides designed to stimulate the growth of new cartilage
Cartilage cannot properly repair itself. Therefore, damage often leads to long-term and/or permanent complaints and eventually osteoarthritis. Regenerative medicine is concerned with repairing damaged cells, tissues and organs. Within this area of medicine, therefore, there is an intensive search for ways to stimulate the repair of cartilage.
Short protein fragments
For this research, Mingjing Zhu focused on two main questions. 1st: What small protein fragments (peptides) can help cartilage repair and rebuild? 2nd: How can we make a better and more realistic test model for the cartilage in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), since existing models are not good enough?
Zhu discovered a new peptide: TP8. This substance can stimulate cartilage formation without creating unwanted bone. That makes it a promising candidate for future treatments.
3D lab model
In addition, Zhu developed a new 3D lab model that also simulates mechanical loads (such as pressure and movement). This is important because the jaw joint is constantly under stress in everyday life. This model makes it possible to test treatments that combine both biological substances (such as peptides) and mechanical stimuli. It is a first good working example, but further improvement is needed.
Together, this dissertation provides two important results: a promising peptide (TP8) and a better test model that matches reality. These will help researchers develop and test more targeted new treatments for cartilage repair in the temporomandibular joint. Ultimately, this may contribute to better care for patients with jaw joint complaints.
Sustainable solution
The results will help develop new treatments in orthopedics and dentistry for cartilage problems. This may ultimately lead to better, more durable solutions than existing treatments, which often treat symptoms but do not achieve full tissue repair.
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