The ECMage network, one of the 11 new national networks aimed at transforming ageing research in the UK and funded by the BBSRC and the MRC, focusses on the ageing of extracellular matrix (ECM), a major structural & functional determinant of tissue resilience with remarkable tissue specificity. Led by Liverpool University, the network unites scientists from Liverpool, Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester, and Nottingham, with complementary expertise in key aspects of ageing, matrix biology, chronobiology, AI/computational modelling and tissue engineering across UK to develop novel models to study ECM ageing, particularly 3D biological models, new biomaterials to mimic tissue-specific ECM and in silico models to predict novel anti-ageing therapies.

We are very happy to be part of this network and we’re looking forward to working on this exciting project. For more information, please click here: https://www.ukanet.org.uk/ec-mage/

Today is the International Rare Disease Day. Over the years we’ve met at great events raising awareness of rare diseases and empowering rare. Sadly this year we cannot meet in person, but we haven’t forgotten.

Rare is many, rare is strong, rare is proud!

A few snapshots from my (Kasia’s) H2020 RUBICON sabbatical in Chennai (India) investigating oxidative stress in pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH). Interesting science and networking opportunities, and a really interesting place to visit. Thank you to Dr Suvro Chatterjee and Dr Suganya Natarajan for hosting me in their laboratory at the AU-KBC Centre at the Madras University of Technology, Anna University!

For more information about the RUBICON project, please visit: http://rubicon-network.org/

We are teaching at the GNM8000/GNM8001 Introduction to genomics course, part of the prestigeous Genomic Medicine MSc, PGDip, PGCert course at the Institute of Genetic Medicine developed in coollaboraiton with Health Education England (HEE) and Genomics England Ltd (GeL). This course aims to train healthcare professionals in how to integrate genomic technology into patient care.

and here’s the programme:

Our “Genetics Matters” event has been recognised by the University and we have been invited by the Vice-Chancellor to attend the “Celebrating Success Event”!

TRIB1 (Tribbles Pseudokinase 1) is a protein containing a serine/threonine kinase-like domain which is expressed in skeletal muscle, thyroid, pancreas, peripheral blood leukocytes, and bone marrow. Trib1 is critical for the differentiation of tissue-resident macrophages and in musculoskeletal tissues it is highly expressed in the bone marrow of adult humans. However, its role in skeletal tissues is currently unknown.

In collaboration with Prof Drew Rowan at Newcastle University, we have been analysing a mouse model which overexpresses Trib1 in cartilage (under col2 promoter).

We have found that mice overexpressing Trib1 in cartilage (right) are much smaller than the wild type litter mates (left) and present with a pronounced hip dysplasia. The bones appear dense, shorter and broader and are very reminiscent of osteopetrosis (“the stone bone” disease).

Jennifer Gerbracht, an Erasmus student in the lab, generated this bone density image (above) using bone mineral content quantification by Faxitron X-ray microradiography. The image was pseudocoloured, showing the densest material in red. The knee joint of a wild type mouse (left) is shown compared to a mutant  mouse (right) with much higher bone density.