Photo of Dr Peter Milner

Dr Peter Milner BVetMed BSc PhD CertES(Orth) MRCVS FHEA

Reader in Equine Orthopaedics Equine Clinical Science

Research

Cartilage Biology in Health and Disease

Articular chondrocytes live in an unusual and constantly changing physicochemical environment. Due to the structure of the extracellular matrix, adult cartilage is avascular, relatively hypoxic and acidic compared to other tissues. In this challenging environment the maintenance and regulation of extracellular matrix by chondrocytes is dependent on signals received through this milieu. In joint disease, such as osteoarthritis, the extracellular environment is altered and the cellular physiology of the chondrocyte will change to reflect this, leading to alterations in its key role of regulating matrix turnover and hence contributing to the pathophysiology of joint disease.

I am particularly interested in how changes in pH and oxidant levels affect cartilage at the cellular and molecular level and potentially how these processes can be modified to augment cartilage production.

Veterinary Clinical Research

Including:
• Hoof function and morphology in relation to lameness
• Pain mechanisms in chronic laminitis
• Outcome of orthopaedic surgery
• Outcome of tendon damage using MRI and following interventional surgery
• Changes in oxidant levels in horses with colic

Research Grants

INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF THE RNA BINDING PROTEIN HuR IN MUSCULOSKELETAL DEVELOPMENT AND DISEASE

MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL

July 2016 - December 2019

How is foot shape influenced by farriery and can this be used as a predictor of lameness?

THE HORSE TRUST (UK)

September 2016 - August 2019

The effect of Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-B)on hypoxic regulation of pH homeostasis in articular cartilage - Biomedical Vacation Scholarships - 2009 - Hannah Smith

WELLCOME TRUST (UK)

July 2009 - September 2009

Nociceptive purinergic P2X receptors in equine laminae and nerves – potential molecular targets for treating laminitis

PET PLAN CHARITABLE TRUST (UK)

October 2009 - September 2010

Research Collaborations

Professor Peter Clegg

Internal

Dr John S Gibson

External: University of Cambridge

Mr David Bardell

Internal

Dr Ellen Singer

Internal

Dr Richard Barrett-Jolley

Internal

Dr Robert J Wilkins

External: University of Oxford

Professor James Gallagher

Internal

Professor Stuart Carter

Internal

Professors Robert Moots

Internal

Co-supervisor for John Collins (PG)