The Delco lab investigates the role of mitochondrial dysfunction as a link between joint injury and painful orthopedic diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA). We use in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models, as well as tissues from human and equine patients to study mitochondrial mechanobiology in the initiation of OA, mitochondrial dysfunction in the early pathogenesis and progression of disease, and new mitoprotective agents. We are also interested in the role of mitochondria in tissue repair and are investigating new orthobiologic (regenerative) therapies. Finally, we study candidate biomarkers for the diagnosis of mitochondrial dysfunction and subclinical cartilage injury to identify which patients may benefit from early intervention. Our goal is to develop new treatments to prevent chronic pain and disability equine and human patients after orthopedic injury.   

Presented by: Dr. Michelle Delco

CE eligible: yes