A seminal and novel finding in a scientific study of Dr Amrit Rattan K Baidwan MacFarland (Amrit K Macfarland), as Senior Scientist/ Molecular Geneticist, resulted in the discovery of key signalling pathways in chondrocytes (cartilage explants) in response to cyclic and static loading of connective tissues. The work was presented as a first proof in multiple peer reviewed international conferences, in the United Kingdom, United States, most of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The pre-requisite for planning new and novel research experiments and coping with future trends in science is a thorough analysis of the present state of knowledge and in finding new ways of thinking and planning.

On this basis, new research hypotheses and strategies will have to be built. This book aims to present a short review of key concepts around Dr MacFarland’s research experiments on signal transduction in diverse systems, such as cancer blood brain barrier studies, coronary heart disease, mechanotranduction mechanisms in connective tissues mainly articular cartilage and meniscus with special attention paid to the reactions of these two tissues, as responses in vitro loading model regimens. The current interest in loading stems from how little we know of the aetiology of osteoarthritis a degenerative joint disease, the most crippling of musculoskeletal disorder and diseases. Signal transduction mechanisms are also examined in endothelial and smooth muscle and the role of cholesterol ester transfer protein in coronary heart disease. The object of Dr MacFarland’s scientific and medical research in signal transduction is ambitious, as both scientific research leading to therapeutic remedies needed high ideals setting goals; to give novel relevant results as was the case of the discovery of the first signalling molecule in her research in a unique biological system, as well as the response of connective tissue cells to mechanical stimulus. Therefore, far off as it may be, the prevention of diseases must be the ultimate objective and the overwhelming character of the problems, compels scientists in specific in the age of nano technology to seek cures and create the means of prevention of the disease. Aspects of her studies show the relevance in high impact sports injuries and daily working conditions, whether they degrade or maintain the health of joints in general, and benefit or harm joints and health.

AUTHORHOUSE - ACADEMIC PRESS