Research Areas

We have expertise in the study of multiple cell types involved with the maintenance of the skeleton and the musculature: the musculoskeletal system. These include the bone-resorbing osteoclasts, bone-forming osteoblasts, mechanosensing osteocytes, joint-lining cartilage cells (chondrocytes) and muscle cells (satellite cells, myoblasts and myotubes). Using state-of-the-art microscopical and molecular techniques we investigate the properties of these cell types to help us understand how the musculoskeletal system is regulated in health and disease. We consider and test physiological, pharmacological and genetic factors.

Biomechanics and Imaging are two key strands of research that frequently interwine. Imaging, from microscopical to whole body, enables us to see and measure the form and function of our bodies. Aberdeen has a history of pioneering work in imaging and image analysis, including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and shape modelling. Biomechanical modelling explores how our joints and the tissues that comprise them perform feats of engineering that technology struggles to match.

The impacts of DNA variation on the function of genes, cells and whole organisms and their interaction with factors such as nutrition, physical activity and ageing are not yet fully understood. Our aims are to identify DNA variation that regulate the function of bone, joint and muscle cells, and to determine whether these are influenced by environmental factors. This will help us to understand normal inter-individual differences in (for example) bone density and muscle strength. As well as this, it will also help us to understand the development of common musculoskeletal diseases (such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and chronic pain) and rarer Mendelian disorders (such as Paget’s disease of bone, club foot and osteopetrosis).

Musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis are among the commonest human afflictions.  They affect all age groups and frequently cause disability.  Not only are musculoskeletal disorders highly prevalent but, because of their association with aging, they are becoming more prevalent as the population ages.

The mission of our Programme is to develop novel approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders including arthritis by seeking a better understanding of bone, cartilage and muscle biology and pathophysiology in health and disease.  Alongside the unparalleled laboratory research facilities at the Institute of Medical Sciences, the on-site state-of-the-art Clinical Research Facility, the world-class expertise in clinical trials, the links with the NHS and with Industry enable translation of our novel research findings from the laboratory to clinical applications.