About RMeS at University of Angers
The creation of this research laboratory dates back to the 1970s by Professor André Rebel. The laboratory was at that time a histology lab with a certain emphasis for bone tissue. the lab acquired a certain notoriety in the study of Paget's disease of the bone and in particular on the possible viral origin of this disease. For such purposes, the lab became a pioneer in the investigation of bone cells and matrix by electron microscopies. The laboratory was then directed by Professor Michel Baslé, who was able to instil a new development policy with the structuring of the unit around the theme of "bone remodelling and biomaterials". This theme, innovative at the time, led in 2003 to the creation of an Inserm unit - EMI 0335 - headed by Professor Daniel Chappard. The unit remained recognized by Inserm until 2012. Since January 2021, the lab is directed by Dr Guillaume Mabilleau. In January 2022, the lab became part of the inter-regional unit, Inserm UMR 1229 "Regenerative Medicine and Skeleton (RMeS)", based at Nantes Université, ONIRIS veterinary school and University of Angers, and led by Prof. Jérôme Guicheux.
The aim of the RMeS lab is to support basic, translational and clinical research pertinent to the 4R medicine (ie. Replace, Repair, Regenerate and Reprogram) related to skeleton diseases and aging. The skeleton diseases originates from developmental abnormalities, growth impairment, repair dysfunction, aging or acquired pathologies. Among these diseases, we are particularly interested in discovering new therapeutic strategies for osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, discarthrosis and periodontitis. Due to the increasing clinical situations where skeletal tissues are lost or compromised (bone, cartilage, teeth, disc..) we also focuse our research efforts on the use of stem cells, calcium phosphate ceramics and hydrogels for the development of reconstructive therapeutics.
By formalizing an interdisciplinary approach, and providing researchers with a functional organizational structure, RMeS aims at offering a strong support and stimulating environment for exploring the limit of knowledge in 4R medicine.
The RMeS unit is composed of two teams, namely REJOINT (led by Profs J. Guicheux and F. Blanchard) and REGOS (led by Profs P. Weiss and V. Geoffroy). Part of the REGOS team is based at the University of Angers under the management of Dr G. Mabilleau. At the University of Angers, RMeS researchers are internationally recognized in the field of bone histomorphometry and three-dimensional analysis of bone tissue, but also in the analysis of material properties, i.e. mineral and collagen properties. They have also a strong expertise in investigating the quality of the bone matrix built around biomaterials.
