Roman Krawetz, PhD

Adult stem cells contribute to the tissue function by counteracting normal wear and tear as well as injury. These cells are present throughout the human body, including the synovial membrane located in some joints. Unlike stem cells taken from normal individuals, stem cells derived from the synovium of patients with osteoarthritis are not completely functional in their ability to become cartilage. In individuals with osteoarthritis, cartilage breaks down resulting in pain, stiffness and inflammation. Through his Canada Research Chair, Krawetz seeks to understand the relationship between joint inflammation and the behaviour of the stem cells, which will be essential in developing new treatments.

Read more about stem cell therapy and Dr. Krawetz's research here.