A5062902010- Spine and Intervertebral Disc Pathology
- Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation
- Medical Imaging and Analysis
- Osteoarthritis Treatment and Mechanisms
- Spondyloarthritis Studies and Treatments
- Hematological disorders and diagnostics
- Bone and Joint Diseases
- Bone health and osteoporosis research
- Pain Management and Treatment
- Pain Mechanisms and Treatments
- Clinical practice guidelines implementation
- Myofascial pain diagnosis and treatment
- Mesenchymal stem cell research
- Orthopedic Infections and Treatments
- Immune Response and Inflammation
- Spinal Fractures and Fixation Techniques
- Infectious Diseases and Tuberculosis
- Bone Metabolism and Diseases
- GDF15 and Related Biomarkers
- Inflammatory mediators and NSAID effects
- Laser Applications in Dentistry and Medicine
- Immune cells in cancer
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
- Immunotherapy and Immune Responses
- T-cell and B-cell Immunology
University Hospital of Zurich
2017-2025
University of Zurich
2008-2025
Center for Rheumatology
2022-2024
Universitätsklinik Balgrist
2017-2024
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
2021
AO Foundation
2021
University of Pennsylvania
2021
Tokai University
2021
University of California, San Francisco
2015-2019
ETH Zurich
2011-2018
We outline a powerful method for the directed evolution of integral membrane proteins in inner Escherichia coli . For mammalian G protein-coupled receptor, we arrived at sequence with an order-of-magnitude increase functional expression that still retains biochemical properties wild type. This mutant also shows enhanced heterologous eukaryotes (12-fold Pichia pastoris and 3-fold HEK293T cells) greater stability when solubilized purified, indicating biophysical protein had been under pressure...
Abstract Background Rats are a widely accepted preclinical model for evaluating intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and regeneration. IVD morphology is commonly assessed using histology, which forms the foundation quantifying state of degeneration. severity evaluated different grading systems that focus on distinct degenerative features. A standard system would facilitate more accurate comparison across laboratories robust comparisons models interventions. Aims This study aimed to develop...
Abstract Background In vitro studies using nucleus pulposus (NP) cells are commonly used to investigate disc cell biology and pathogenesis, or aid in the development of new therapies. However, lab‐to‐lab variability jeopardizes much‐needed progress field. Here, an international group spine scientists collaborated standardize extraction expansion techniques for NP reduce variability, improve comparability between labs utilization funding resources. Methods The most applied methods extraction,...
ObjectivesModic type 1 changes (MC1) are vertebral endplate bone marrow (BM) lesions observed on magnetic resonance images in sub-populations of chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients. The etiopathogenesis remains unknown and treatments that modify the underlying pathomechanisms do not exist. We hypothesized two biological MC1 subtypes exist: a bacterial non-bacterial. This would have important implications for developing targeting pathomechanisms.MethodsIntervertebral disc (IVD) samples...
Abstract Background The multimodal properties of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), particularly their ability to modulate immune responses is high interest in translational research. Pro-inflammatory, hypoxic, and 3D culture priming are promising often used strategies improve the immunosuppressive potency MSCs, but underlying mechanisms not well understood. Therefore, aims this study were (i) compare effects pro-inflammatory, on vitro potential (ii) assess if temporally preserved under...
Modic type I change (MC1) are vertebral bone marrow lesions adjacent to degenerated discs that specific for discogenic low back pain. The etiopathogenesis is unknown, but occult discitis, in particular with Propionibacteria acnes (P. acnes), has been suggested as a possible etiology. If true, antibiotic therapy should be considered patients MC1. However, this hypothesis controversial. While some studies report up 40% infection rate herniated discs, others fail detect infected and attribute...
Abstract Vertebral endplate damage is associated with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (DD) in vivo as confirmed by in‐vitro investigations. Our aims were to further characterize the process of DD using an vitro full‐organ culture model and elucidate whether significant or impact loading alone pivotal for initiation DD. Rabbit spinal segments (n = 80) harvested, subjected pure axial 40) a custom‐made device, cultured 28 days. The applied threshold energy (0.76 J) induced fractures 21...
Background Patient research partners (PRPs) are people living with a relevant disease who actively contribute to research. Their contribution is beneficial for any project. Although the inclusion of PRPs in rheumatology increasingly recommended, its practical implementation, particularly translational research, remains limited . Enhancing PRP engagement requires clear understanding necessary steps. Objective This study aims show steps achieve successful collaboration between and researchers...
Abstract Background Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) present prolonged, debilitating pain and functional impairment. Treatments are not disease-modifying due to the poorly understood underlying pathomechanisms. This study aimed identify molecular signatures of potential CRPS type 1 subgroups. Methods Twelve women were included. Demographics questionnaires recorded. Skin biopsies affected non-affected limbs (n = 6 + 6) peripheral blood 11) collected. RNA sequencing was...
Previously, we proposed the hypothesis that similarities in inflammatory response observed acne vulgaris and degenerative disc disease (DDD), especially central role of interleukin (IL)-1β, may be further evidence anaerobic bacterium Cutibacterium (previously Propionibacterium) acnes underlying aetiology degeneration. To investigate this, examined upregulation IL-1β, other known IL-1β-induced markers neurotrophic factors, from nucleus-pulposus-derived cells infected vitro with C. for up to...
Abstract Pro‐inflammatory cytokines are recognized contributors to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and discogenic pain. We have recently reported the anti‐inflammatory effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on IVD cells in vitro. Whether these potentially therapeutic effects sufficiently potent influence health vivo has not been demonstrated. report here PEMF acute inflammation arising from a rat‐tail injury model. Disc was induced by percutaneously stabbing Co6‐7, Co7‐8,...
The vertebral cartilage endplate (CEP), crucial for intervertebral disc health, is prone to degeneration linked chronic low back pain, degeneration, and Modic changes (MC). While it known that cells express toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize pathogen- damage-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs DAMPs), unclear if CEP (CEPCs) share this trait. has a higher cell density than the disc, making CEPCs an important contributor. This study aimed identify TLRs on their role in pro-inflammatory...