Analysis of collagen production in Dupuytren’s fibrosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
“Collagen (I) homotrimer in age-related fibroses and tissue degeneration: evaluation as a stem cell biomarker”.
IRAS ID
130742
Contact name
Peter Clegg
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Research summary
This study is part of a larger study funded by the Medical Research Council that aims to identify an abnormal form of collagen that may be responsible for certain age-related diseases. We will test whether this collagen may be associated with stem-cell activity, what determines how much unusual collagen is produced by cells and how it can be controlled. To do this we plan to compare samples from both normal and diseased tissues with stem cells grown in the laboratory. The findings of this study could have broad relevance for understanding age-related musculoskeletal and fibrotic diseases and the function of stem cells in tissue repair and regeneration.
Dupuytren’s disease tissue will be used in this study to analyse abnormal collagen production in tissues with excessive (fibrotic) collagen production as we already know that some abnormal collagen is produced in Dupuytren’s fibrosis. Dupuytren’s tissue removed during surgery that would normally be discarded as clinical waste will be analysed. Patient consent will be obtained before surgery and only the tissue from Dupuytren’s patients that would be destined for clinical waste will be used in this research study. Patients over 18 years of age undergoing hand surgery for Dupuytren’s disease at the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust will be eligible for inclusion in the study. The surgical procedure will be performed once by an Orthopaedic Surgeon with an average duration of 30 minutes. Laboratory analysis of samples will be carried out at the University of Liverpool, Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Leahurst Site. The study will last for at least 3 years.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NW/0352
Date of REC Opinion
22 May 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion