Dr. Rita Kandel

Research Interests

1. Bioengineering of Skeletal Tissues: We have developed methods of growing articuloskeletal tissues in vitro such as articular cartilage and nucleus pulposus. These tissues can be formed on biomaterials, that act as a bone substitue, resulting in biphasic constructs. We are investigating whether this approach is a suitable method to resurface a damaged joint.
2. Articuloskeletal Tissue Formation: We are investigating methods to improve the mechanical properties of cartilage tissue formed in vitro using a variety of mechanisms and including mechanical stimulation. We are also examining how the cells interact with the materials and the signaling mechanisms involved in the regulation of cell phenotype and tissue formation.
3. Intervertebral disc disease: Using the nucleus pulposus tissue formed in vitro we are investigating the mechanisms leading to disc degeneration. Using cytokines as a probe we are determining the signaling mechanisms activated with degradation. Identifying these processes may allow for development of new therapeutic approaches to downregulate the tissue destruction.
4. Musculoskeletal Tumors: Understanding the pathogenesis of tumor formation may provide insight into normal tissue development. We are studying the pathogenesis of tumors such as giant cell tumor.
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Publications

1. Waldman SD, Grynpas MD, Pilliar RM, Kandel RA. Characterization of Cartilaginous Tissue, J Biomed Mat Res 62(3):323-330, 2002.
2. Ciolfi VJD, Pilliar R, McCulloch, Kandel RA. Chondrocyte Interaction with Porous Titanium Alloy and Calcium Polyphosphate Substrates. Biomaterials, in press
3. Wang H. Kandel RA. Chondrocytes Attach to Hyaline or Calcified Cartilage and Bone. Osteoarth Cartilage, in press
4. Séguin CA, Grynpas MD, Pilliar RM, Waldman S, Kandel RA. Tissue Engineered Nucleus Pulposus Tissue Formed on a Porous Calcium Polyphosphate Substrate. Spine, submitted 2003
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