A seminal and novel fi nding in a scientifi c studyof Dr Amrit Rattan K Baidwan MacFarland(Amrit K Macfarland), as Senior Scientist/Molecular Geneticist, resulted in the discoveryof key signalling pathways in chondrocytes(cartilage explants) in response to cyclic andstatic loading of connective tissues. The work was presented as a fi rstproof in multiple peer reviewed international conferences, in the UnitedKingdom, United States, most of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.The pre-requisite for planning new and novel research experiments andcoping with future trends in science is a thorough analysis of the presentstate of knowledge and in fi nding new ways of thinking and planning.On this basis, new research hypotheses and strategies will have to bebuilt. This book aims to present a short review of key concepts aroundDr MacFarland's research experiments on signal transduction in diversesystems, such as cancer blood brain barrier studies, coronary heart disease,mechanotranduction mechanisms in connective tissues mainly articularcartilage and meniscus with special attention paid to the reactions ofthese two tissues, as responses in vitro loading model regimens. Thecurrent interest in loading stems from how little we know of the aetiologyof osteoarthritis a degenerative joint disease, the most crippling ofmusculoskeletal disorder and diseases. Signal transduction mechanismsare also examined in endothelial and smooth muscle and the role ofcholesterol ester transfer protein in coronary heart disease. The object ofDr MacFarland's scientifi c and medical research in signal transductionis ambitious, as both scientifi c research leading to therapeutic remediesneeded high ideals setting goals; to give novel relevant results as was thecase of the discovery of the fi rst signalling molecule in her research in aunique biological system, as well as the response of connective tissue cellsto mechanical stimulus. Therefore, far off as it may be, the prevention ofdiseases must be the ultimate objective and the overwhelming character ofthe problems, compels scientists in specifi c in the age of nano technologyto seek cures and create the means of prevention of the disease. Aspectsof her studies show the relevance in high impact sports injuries and dailyworking conditions, whether they degrade or maintain the health of jointsin general, and benefi t or harm joints and health.AUTHORHOUSE - ACADEMIC PRESS
