Evaluating osteogenic properties of marine-organism derived extracts
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Discovering bioactive compounds for bone growth: the osteogenicity of marine organism-derived extracts.
IRAS ID
168348
Contact name
Susan Clarke
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen's University Belfast
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 3 months, 4 days
Research summary
The treatment of musculoskeletal conditions and areas of bone loss or problematic fractures remains a problem for clinicians. Novel medicines from natural sources, or bioactives, hold potential for the treatment of a wide variety of clinical conditions. This project focuses on screening marine extracts for their osteogenic potential, with a view to developing novel medical treatments for conditions such as osteoporosis and the stimulation of fracture repair. The need for such novel treatment options is evidenced by current costs to the healthcare system: osteoporosis related fracture treatment costs UK health services an estimated £1.8bn per year. The current project is designed to test the effect of a range of marine extracts, sourced from numerous organisms, on bone cells. For this study we propose to use mesenchymal stem cells isolated from human bone marrow (hBMSCs). These cells have the potential to differentiate into osteoblasts (cells responsible for producing new bone) and are therefore suitable for determining the ability of the extract to stimulate osteogenic activity or new bone growth. hBMSCs will be isolated from bone marrow samples collected from patients during spinal surgeries which allow access to the bone marrow cavity. Once isolated, the cells will be expanded in number and then exposed to the extracts at a range of concentrations. Outcome measures will be cell death, cell proliferation, cell differentiation and an increase in markers of bone formation and mineralisation.
REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NE/0250
Date of REC Opinion
21 Jul 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion