Bones are essential to support stability and locomotion in vertebrates. A highly organized, mineralized collagen matrix is underlying these functions. However, the exact processes involved in the early formation and organization of the collagen matrix by bone cells remain unresolved. This research aimed to visualize processes involved in early bone matrix formation, like collagen deposition and mineralization, in in vitro models using advanced microscopy. It was shown that newly produced collagen can be transported through bone-producing cells without a surrounding membrane. Additionally, bone-producing cells were shown to be organizing the newly produced matrix. Next, it was shown that serum proteins bound to mineral can deliver mineral to a collagen matrix via cell-free or cell-mediated processes, dependent on the maturity of the protein/mineral complex. Lastly, to further enhance future research into bone matrix development, an organ-on-a-chip was developed in which 3D mini-bones could be grown to analyze bone formation in high resolution with state-of-the-art microscopy.
Judith Schaart (1997) obtained her Master’s degree in Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (cum laude) at the Radboud University in 2019. She then started her PhD research at the department of Biochemistry (Radboud university medical center) under supervision of prof. Nico Sommerdijk and dr. Anat Akiva. Next, she will work as a postdoctoral researcher in the group of prof. Ruxandra Bachmann (University of Zurich).