Molecular and tissue engineering strategies for cartilage repair in osteoarthritis
Liru Wen
What did you research during your PhD?
“My PhD research focused on developing molecular and tissue-engineering strategies to repair cartilage damage in osteoarthritis. I specifically investigated the role of key signalling pathways—such as Hippo-YAP and TGF-β/BMP—in regulating inflammation and cartilage regeneration. I also established an ex vivo cartilage damage model to assess gene-silencing approaches using siRNA delivery. The overall goal was to explore regenerative therapies that could slow cartilage degeneration and promote sustained joint repair.”
How do you look back on your time in Utrecht?
“While my research was primarily conducted at the AO Research Institute in Davos, Switzerland, under Martin Stoddart's guidance, I maintained a strong collaborative tie with Utrecht University through regular weekly meetings with Professor Laura Creemers. I truly value the supportive and interdisciplinary research environment that Utrecht provided. It was a meaningful period of both professional and personal growth, and I'm grateful for the open and collaborative academic culture.”
What are your plans after this?
“I will continue to work in the field of cartilage repair. I'm excited to join Professor Di Chen’s lab as a postdoctoral researcher at Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology, where I look forward to further developing my research.”