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The Irwin Lab

Welcome to The Irwin Lab

The Irwin lab aims to address knowledge gaps in orthopaedic mechanobiology using biomaterials and intravital imaging approaches. Our goal is to develop mechano-targeted therapies to improve tissue healing and prevent joint deterioration after injury. We use a multi-scale approach (cells, tissues, whole-joint model systems) to investigate mechanotransduction mechanisms at different levels of resolution and complexity, and to evaluate therapeutic efficacy.

We are recruiting at all levels (undergraduate and graduate students, technicians, postdocs). If interested, please email Rebecca Irwin.

Projects

Cell and Tissue Responses to Extracellular Matrix Fibronectin

Identify Key Mechanotransducers to Promote Musculoskeletal Tissue Repair

Fibronectin Matrix Remodeling in Chronic Diseases

Engineer Biomaterials for Mechano-Targeted Therapies

Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

Role of Systemic Factors and Mechanics on Spine Health and Repair

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Publications

Connexin 43 regulates intercellular mitochondrial transfer from human mesenchymal stromal cells to chondrocytes. RM Irwin, MA Thomas, MJ Fahey, MD Mayán, JW Smyth, ML Delco. Stem Cell Research & Therapy 15 (1), 359. 2024.

Human mesenchymal stromal cells release functional mitochondria in extracellular vesicles. MA Thomas, MJ Fahey, BR Pugliese, RM Irwin, MA Antonyak, ML Delco. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology 10, 870193. 2022.

A tale of two loads: modulation of IL-1 induced inflammatory responses of meniscal cells in two models of dynamic physiologic loading. BD Andress, RM Irwin, I Puranam, BD Hoffman, AL McNulty. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology 10, 837619. 2022.

Biological mechanisms for cartilage repair using a BioCartilage scaffold: Cellular adhesion/migration and bioactive proteins. J Commins, R Irwin, A Matuska, M Goodale, M Delco, L Fortier. Cartilage 13 (1_suppl), 984S-992S. 2021.

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Contact Us

Rebecca Irwin, Ph.D.
Goergen Hall
480 Intercampus Drive
Rochester, NY 14620