A global team of scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery of a new skeletal tissue known as “lipocartilage,” offering immense potential for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
Among the researchers contributing to this work is Dr. Richard Prince, an assistant
professor at East Tennessee State University with a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering.
Published in Science, the study reveals that lipocartilage, found in the ears, nose
and throat of mammals, is composed of fat-filled cells called lipochondrocytes. These
cells provide super-stable internal support, allowing the tissue to remain both soft
and elastic – similar to the qualities of bubble wrap.
This resilience makes lipocartilage an ideal candidate for future treatments of facial
defects, birth injuries and cartilage-related conditions.
“One of the techniques that enabled this exciting result was using nonlinear microscopy,” said Prince. “Traditionally, microscopic imaging requires the use of large dyes or molecules, which can hinder studying small molecule metabolism such as glucose tracking. Here, we used dye-free, vibrational imaging to track the metabolism of glucose into lipid droplets, revealing the mechanism for lipocartilage formation.”
The discovery challenges longstanding assumptions in biomechanics and opens new avenues
for innovative medical solutions, according to the University of California, Irvine,
where the international study was based.
Unlike traditional cartilage, which relies on an external matrix for strength, lipocartilage
derives its durability and elasticity from internal fat stores that remain constant
regardless of food availability.
“The discovery of the unique lipid biology of lipocartilage challenges long-standing
assumptions in biomechanics and opens doors to countless research opportunities,”
said the study’s lead author, Raul Ramos, a postdoctoral researcher in the Plikus
laboratory for developmental and regenerative biology. “Future directions include
gaining an understanding of how lipochondrocytes maintain their stability over time
and the molecular programs that govern their form and function, as well as insights
into the mechanisms of cellular aging. Our findings underscore the versatility of
lipids beyond metabolism and suggest new ways to harness their properties in tissue
engineering and medicine.”
Prince is one of the dozens of ETSU faculty generating cutting-edge scholarship from discoveries entirely new to science to research about bee decline.
In the fiscal year 2024, the university secured $71 million in sponsored projects
awarded and $21.3 million in federal awards.
Learn how ETSU is conducting major research at etsu.edu/trailblazers.
East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.
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