Wan-Ju Li
Credentials: Orthopedics & Rehabilitation Department
Position title: Chondrogenic differentiation of iPSCs via neural crest lineage
Email: li@ortho.wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 263-1338
Address:
5051 Wi Institute Medical Research
1111 Highland Ave
Madison, WI 53705
LAB WEBSITE:
Musculoskeletal Biology and Regenerative Medicine Lab
FOCUS GROUPS:
Developmental Biology & Regenerative Medicine
RESEARCH DESCRIPTION:
My research is primarily focused on unraveling the intricate mechanisms that underlie the development of hyaline cartilage from pluripotent stem cells. The ultimate goal is to harness this knowledge to pave the way for advanced stem cell therapies aimed at cartilage repair.
To achieve this, our work involves the reprogramming of human blood or skin cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Subsequently, we guide the differentiation of these iPSCs into specialized cell lineages, such as chondrocytes and osteoblasts, using mesodermal or neural crest pathways. An essential aspect of our methodology is the sequential induction of specific growth factors, which ensures the precise differentiation of iPSCs into homogeneous
chondrocytes without the presence of other cell types.
This innovative approach allows us to establish a controlled in vitro model that effectively mimics cartilage and bone development. Through this model, we can delve into the intricate mechanisms that govern the formation of these tissues. Moreover, our research enables us to devise practical strategies for
ALSO A TRAINER IN THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS: Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), Biology of Aging T32 Training Program, TL1 Predoctoral Training Program