Parvathy Thampi’s research focuses on understanding the mechanisms that limit joint cartilage’s ability to repair. | Photo Credit: University of Kentucky's College of Agriculture

After completing her bachelor of science in veterinary medicine, Parvathy Thampi discovered a passion for research, which prompted her to pursue a master’s degree in veterinary pathology. Thampi became interested in cellular mechanisms of tissue repair in response to injury. She then joined the laboratory of James MacLeod, VMD, PhD, John S. and Elizabeth A. Knight Chair and professor of veterinary science at the University of Kentucky (UK) Gluck Equine Research Center, in 2011 to pursue a doctoral degree and study articular cartilage.

Joint disease is one of the most common causes of lameness and can be career-ending for equine and human athletes. Thampi’s research focuses on understanding the mechanisms that limit joint cartilage’s ability to repair, which is why osteoarthritis is a progressive disease throughout life.

“In my doctoral research, I am studying the biology of equine interzone cells, a population of cells present during the early developmental stages of synovial joint formation in mammals, specifically focusing on how their proliferation and differentiation are regulated,” Thampi said. “This research will hopefully advance our understanding of interzone cells as a potential cell-based treatment strategy for the repair of cartilage injuries