Determining jaw joint mechanics by characterising shape, genetics and material properties in wild type and mutant zebrafish

Project Code

MRCPHS26Br Rayfield

Project Type

Wet lab

Research Theme

Population Health Science

Project Summary Download

Summary

This project explores how joints respond to mechanical forces throughout life, using zebrafish as a model to understand joint ageing and degeneration. By combining advanced imaging and mechanical testing, the student will study how joint shape, genetics, and tissue properties influence joint health in wild type and mutant fish. Computer models will predict how these factors affect strain and wear in the jaw. The aim is to uncover how joint tissue degradation with age and mutation of osteoarthritis susceptibility genes affects jaw mechanics, informing new strategies for improving joint health in ageing humans and animals.

Lead Supervisor

Professor Emily Rayfield

Lead Supervisor Email

e.rayfield@bristol.ac.uk

University Affiliation

Bristol