Development of a novel tissue culture model for degenerative disc disease
Chronic low back pain is strongly associated with intervertebral disc degeneration. Disc degeneration can be studied using several different models, ranging from cell or tissue culture models to animal models. However, currently established models for disc degeneration have several disadvantages and are not fully convenient to cover all experimental needs.
The aim of this project is to establish a physiological in vitro explant model for degenerative disc disease based on a bovine nucleus pulposus tissue culture with artificial annulus fibrosis that has previously been described by our collaborators from the University of Eindhoven. In order to further enhance applicability to the clinical situation, i.e. to patients suffering from painful degenerative disc disease, tissue inflammation and degeneration will be induced while applying physiological loading in a custom-made bioreactor.
This novel ex-vivo disc degeneration model will lead to improved experimental possibilities for better understanding the molecular mechanisms of degenerative disc disease. It cannot only be tested to study the mechanisms of disc degeneration, but importantly also to test new regenerative treatments.
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