March 31
@
12:00 PM
–
1:00 PM
The Death and Re-Birth of the Intervertebral Disc Cell
Lori A. Setton, PhD
Lopata Distinguished Professor and Chair of Biomedical Engineering
McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis
Corrine Bahr Memorial Lecture
Abstract:
Intervertebral disc disorders are among the greatest contributors to pain and disability annually, such that low back pain and neck pain are ranked #1 and #4 for disease impact globally. Microenvironmental conditions for resident cells of the intervertebral disc contribute to an early decrease in cellularity, and associated tissue destruction, loss of hydration and eventual disc collapse or herniation. The most vulnerable of disc cells are the nucleus pulposus cells, derived from embryonic notochord, that are distinct from the neighboring mesenchymal cells that form the anulus fibrosus. Our laboratory has studied the micromechanical environment of these nucleus pulposus cells and factors that regulate nucleus pulposus cell phenotype and biosynthesis. We have demonstrated an ability to promote biosynthesis and survival by presenting key peptides and proteins to pathological nucleus pulposus cells, that replicate some features of notochordal development. We have also advanced knowledge of environmental cues that promote a healthy, biosynthetically active nucleus pulposus cell, and identified biomaterial strategies to restore a healthy environment for the pathological disc. This talk will review an understanding of the micromechanical environment and mechanobiology of the disc cells, and our work with engineering substrates and protein-conjugated biomaterials to promote matrix regeneration, cell differentiation and consequently cell “re-birth” in the intervertebral disc.
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About the Corrine Bahr Memorial Lecture Series:
Corrine L. Bahr, born in Madison on February 23, 1949, dedicated 38 years of her career to the University of Wisconsin. She served as an administrator in the Biomedical Engineering Department within the Engineering Centers Building and passed away in 2007 following a courageous battle with cancer.
Corrine was actively involved in various organizations and causes, including the Bahai Faith, AFS Intercultural Programs, Inc., Supper Club for Ethnic and Racial Harmony, Middleton Historical Society, and the Good Neighbor Festival, where she served as a board member for more than 12 years.
In her memory, the family suggests that memorials be made instead of sending flowers to support cancer research, the University of Wisconsin Children’s Hospital, or a charitable organization of the donor’s choice. The “Corrine Bahr Memorial Lecture Series” was established in honor of her legacy. This series features speakers who discuss emerging technologies in the field of biomedical research.