Prof Charlie Archer - PhD
Telephone:+44 (0)29 208 75206
Fax:+44 (0)29 208 74594
Extension:75206
Location:Cardiff School of Biosciences, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX
Research Overview
Work within my Research Group encompasses two spheres of synovial joint biology. First, we are interested in the development of joints and in particular, mechanisms of formation of articular cartilage and in the process of joint cavitation – a requisite for the formation of a functional joint. Second, we are interested in the application of the knowledge gained from the above studies towards biological repair of joint damage particularly articular cartilage. For example, we have isolated a progenitor cell from the surface zone of developing articular cartilage and have found that this cell can be expanded extensively in monolayer culture without loss of chondrogenic potential, a limitation of differentiated articular cartilage. Thus, we are developing this cell with view to use in biological repair procedures of articular cartilage especially of younger patients suffering from joint trauma.