Biomarkers that predict osteoarthritis risk in people at higher risk
Official title: Biomarkers for Predicting Osteoarthritis Incidence in At-Risk Individuals
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11461903 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A long-term study will look for protein markers in body fluids that could predict who will develop knee osteoarthritis before symptoms appear.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $456,816 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AR087141-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11461903 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at risk for knee OA who can provide repeated body-fluid samples and follow-up data over several years.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals who are not at risk for OA or who cannot commit to long-term follow-up may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
If you are at higher risk for knee OA, this study will collect samples over time to see which protein markers are linked to future OA. Researchers will compare different measurement methods (MS vs ELISA) and try to identify a panel of markers that predicts OA incidence four years later. The goal is to find a reliable, early signal so doctors can consider preventative strategies before OA develops. The study involves analyzing existing samples and longitudinal data from participants to understand disease pathways and timing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable earlier prediction of OA and guide preventive care to reduce pain and disability.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests protein biomarkers can reflect OA processes, but this project aims to validate prognostic biomarkers over time in the same people.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stoker, Aaron M — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Stoker, Aaron M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Nanoparticles delivering an sPLA2 blocker for knee osteoarthritis
This project uses tiny, drug-filled nanoparticles to deliver an sPLA2-blocking medicine into the knee to reduce inflammation and slow knee osteoarthritis in people with painful knee OA.
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.