Biochemistry - Histological evaluation of a stem cell therapy for ACL reconstruction

Supervisor: Dr Rachel Oldershaw

Supervisor bio: Dr Rachel Oldershaw is a stem cell biologist and a lecturer at the University of Liverpool. Her research is focused on the role of stem cells in the maintenance of tissue health and function and how impairment in stem cell biology contributes to the onset and progression of disease. Her research is also focused on how adult, embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells can be used in the development of regenerative medicines that repair damaged tissues, with a focus on the musculoskeletal system, the eye and cardiac tissues.

Email: lrao1@liverpool.ac.uk

School: School of Biosciences 

Department: Biochemistry

Module code: LIFE398

Suitable for students of Biology

Desirable experience/requirements: N/A

Places available: 1

Start date: 15th June 2026

Project length: 4 or 8 weeks 

Virtual option: No

Project description: 

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a major ligament that stabilises the knee joint. It is highly vulnerable to rupture, often requiring surgical reconstruction and extensive rehabilitation to return to sports or recreational activity and minimise long term risks of developing chronic joint disease such as osteoarthritis. Successful clinical outcomes of reconstructive surgery are dependent on integration of the pseudo-ligament graft within the joint, which is protracted and can often result in graft failure.

To address these challenges, we are developing a novel stem cell therapy that can be delivered at the point of surgery to promote healing. To demonstrate the safety and efficacy of this therapy we are characterising a novel in vivo rabbit model that mimics delivery of adult stem cells during ACL reconstruction.

This project will use histological techniques to evaluate the potential for adult stem cells to promote ligament healing within the articular joint. Training will be provided in working with tissue samples to preserve tissue features for examination, the use of multiple histological stains for characterising key connective features, immunolabelling of proteins within tissues, grading of histological features and analysis of large tissue datasets.  

Additional requirements: N/A