Healing Foundation/
BSSH Research Fellowship |
|
Kindly supported by
The Freemasons Grand Charity |
|
| Tenascin-C and the pathogenesis of Dupuytren's disease |
October 2007 - December 2010 |
|
| Supervisor : |
Professor Jagdeep Nanchahal |
| Lead Institution : |
Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology Imperial College London |
| Start date : |
October 2007 – August 2010 |
| Duration : |
24 months |
| Award : |
£93,805 over two years |
|
Objectives of Research:
Dupuytren's disease is a common inheritable disorder, mainly affecting the hand. The digits develop progressive flexion contractures and hand function is significantly impaired. The current mainstay of treatment is surgical excision of the affected tissues but recurrence following excision is seen in approximately 40% of patients. Replacing the palmar skin with grafts obtained from a non-palmar site on the body virtually abolishes recurrence. Based on this well-established surgical observation, we have developed a novel in vitro model, which replicates these interactions between skin cells and the contractile cells responsible for Dupuytren's disease. We have also identified a molecule (tenascin-C), which may control the signalling between these cell types. |
Potential Benefits of Research to Patients:
Previous attempts to understand the mechanisms involved in Dupuytren's disease have not led to viable therapeutic interventions.
Our aim is to understand the basis of a well-established surgical phenomenon and, based on this knowledge, develop modalities for controlling this common, disabling disorder of the hand. |
