Aberrant mechano-oxygen coupling linked to zinc-rich mineralization in osteoarthritis
Official title: Aberrant Mechano-Oxygen Coupling as a Driver of Zinc-Enriched Ectopic Mineralization in Osteoarthritis
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11538110 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to understand how abnormal joint forces affect cartilage and bone, causing zinc-rich mineral deposits and harmful blood vessel growth in osteoarthritis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2026 |
| Project end | July 14, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,368,593 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DE036307-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11538110 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with or at risk for osteoarthritis who may benefit from future therapies targeting cartilage–bone interface health.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without OA or those not progressing to mineralization-related complications may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project studies how mechanical stress alters the joint’s chemical environment, leading to oxidative stress and abnormal mineralization. Researchers will use 2-photon microscopy, animal models, and bioengineered organoids to look at how force and oxygen levels drive changes at the cartilage–bone interface. The work is designed to connect observable changes in mineralization with specific cellular pathways like HIF-1α signaling and angiogenesis. If successful, it could point to new ways to prevent or reduce mineral deposits that worsen OA symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the hypotheses are confirmed, this research could inform new strategies to prevent zinc-rich mineralization and improve joint health in OA patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked mechanical stress and oxidative pathways to mineralization, but this study seeks to connect these processes to zinc-enriched mineral deposits in OA.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ho, Sunita P — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Ho, Sunita P
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.