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Cell scale simulations of bone tissue
With our current computational framework, it is possible to simulate physiological processes in bone at the single cell scale. In this project the effect of pharmaceutical intervention during postmenopausal osteoporosis will be investigated.
Osteocytes embedded within bone are responsible for orchestrating the remodelling process. They are sensitive to both their mechanical environment and chemical environment. During postmenopausal osteoporosis a systemic reduction in the levels of estrogen upsets the balance of the RANKL/OPG produced by the osteocytes leading to recruitment of additonal osteoclasts, bone removing cells. This leads to lower bone mass and increased risk of fracture. There are several treatments available in the form of anabolic or anti-catabolic agents. Anabolic agents counter the loss of bone mass by stimulating increased bone formation, while anti-catabolic treatments disrupt either the formation or activity of osteoclasts. In the Laboratory of Bone Biomechanics, we have developed a multiscale multi-physics model for bone physiology. The aim of this project is to simulate bone both with and without an intervention. The simulations will specifically target the RANKL molecule. As a geometrical basis for the models the student will have access to a database of high resolution micro-CT scans of human bone biopsies. The student should be familiar with python.
Osteocytes embedded within bone are responsible for orchestrating the remodelling process. They are sensitive to both their mechanical environment and chemical environment. During postmenopausal osteoporosis a systemic reduction in the levels of estrogen upsets the balance of the RANKL/OPG produced by the osteocytes leading to recruitment of additonal osteoclasts, bone removing cells. This leads to lower bone mass and increased risk of fracture. There are several treatments available in the form of anabolic or anti-catabolic agents. Anabolic agents counter the loss of bone mass by stimulating increased bone formation, while anti-catabolic treatments disrupt either the formation or activity of osteoclasts. In the Laboratory of Bone Biomechanics, we have developed a multiscale multi-physics model for bone physiology. The aim of this project is to simulate bone both with and without an intervention. The simulations will specifically target the RANKL molecule. As a geometrical basis for the models the student will have access to a database of high resolution micro-CT scans of human bone biopsies. The student should be familiar with python.
Create a dataset of bone simulations comparing patients with and without pharmaceutical intervention.
Create a dataset of bone simulations comparing patients with and without pharmaceutical intervention.