Serafina Lopez’s article, titled “The role of SLRPs and large aggregating proteoglycans in collagen fibrillogenesis, extracellular matrix assembly, and mechanical function of fibrocartilage,” was recently accepted by the journal Connective Tissue Research. This manuscript reviewed the important roles of proteoglycans of collagen fibrillogenesis, extracellular matrix assembly, and mechanical function in fibrocartilaginous tissues. This article explored the unique structure-function relationship of fibrocartilage and how understanding the functions of small leucine rich and large aggregating proteoglycans in developing and maintaining the fiber structure could inform future work in fibrocartilage replacement using tissue engineered constructs. This information will be used by researchers to better understand injuries to tissues like the meniscus and intervertebral disc and how to develop therapies for osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease.
Serafina Lopez is a 2nd year PhD student in Biomedical Engineering who joined the Bonassar Lab in 2019. She earned her BS degree from the University of New Mexico and is currently a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow. Congratulations to Serafina on your paper!
