Circulating Osteogenic Precurors: Building Bone from Blood

Summary Circulating Osteogenic Precursor (COP) cells are a newly discovered type of stem cell located in the blood. It is hoped that these cells could be a readily accessible target for cellular therapies in a range of diseases in the aging musculoskeletal system, however before they can be utilised clinically their biological nature and relationships with both normal physiology and pathology must be investigated.

Project Details

Circulating Osteogenic Precursor (COP) cells are a newly discovered type of stem cell located in the blood. It is hoped that these cells could be a readily accessible target for cellular therapies in a range of diseases in the aging musculoskeletal system, however before they can be utilised clinically their biological nature and relationships with both normal physiology and pathology must be investigated. Our research takes a translational approach to the investigation of COP cells, with basic science research informing clinical investigation, which further influences our laboratory studies. Our current basic science studies are currently exploring the potential for COP cells to multiply and expand in cell culture, their ability to differentiate into different tissue types (such as bone, fat and muscle), as well as their genetic makeup. Clinically we are identifying their relationships with vitamin D and bone density to inform their potential for future development as biomarkers or therapeutic approaches for musculoskeletal disease. COP cells are an exciting, novel field of research, of which our team is at the forefront - ensuring a wide array of potential discovery and innovation.