NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Genetic mutations causing a type of arthritis linked to calcium crystals

Official title: Mutations in Osteoprotegerin Cause Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease

Funded at Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center · NIH-11098726 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain genetic changes might cause calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, a type of arthritis that affects older adults and veterans, with the goal of finding new ways to treat this condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionClement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Milwaukee, United States)
Project startJanuary 1, 2019
Project endDecember 31, 2026
Funding year2025
NIH project number5I01BX004454-07
Project IDNIH-11098726 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, particularly veterans, who have been diagnosed with calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease.

Less likely to help

Patients with arthritis not related to calcium pyrophosphate crystals or those without the identified genetic mutations may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPDD), a common form of arthritis characterized by the accumulation of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in the joints. The focus is on understanding how specific genetic mutations, particularly in the osteoprotegerin gene, contribute to the development of this disease, especially in older adults and veterans. By studying these mutations, researchers aim to identify new therapeutic targets that could lead to effective treatments for this currently untreatable condition. The research involves analyzing genetic data and clinical outcomes in affected patients to better understand the disease mechanisms.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, improving the quality of life for affected patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in understanding genetic factors in arthritis, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights and potential breakthroughs.

Where this research is happening

  • Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center
    Milwaukee, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Rosenthal, Ann K — Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Rosenthal, Ann K

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Surgical strategies to prevent and reduce amputation pain

    This project tests how two nerve-sparing techniques can prevent or lessen phantom and residual limb pain in people who have or will have amputations, especially veterans.

    NIH research Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center · Milwaukee, United States · NIH-11412844

  • Targeted muscle reinnervation to reduce pain after amputation

    This project looks at how targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) changes nerve signals and inflammation to help reduce phantom and residual limb pain for amputees.

    NIH research Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center · Milwaukee, United States · NIH-11348781

  • Brain pain map guides smarter neuromodulation for chronic pain

    A study in veterans aims to map where pain relief comes from in the brain during neuromodulation to improve how spinal cord and dorsal root stimulation work for chronic back and leg pain.

    NIH research Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center · Milwaukee, United States · NIH-11298287

  • How traumatic brain injury may change opioid addiction risk

    Researchers are looking at whether people who have had a traumatic brain injury respond differently to opioids and face higher risk of opioid addiction.

    NIH research Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center · Milwaukee, United States · NIH-11206920

  • Understanding heart and brain health after traumatic brain injury in veterans

    This study is looking at how traumatic brain injuries affect the heart and brain in veterans, especially how these injuries might relate to feelings of fear and anxiety, to help us understand their long-term health effects and improve treatments.

    NIH research Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center · Milwaukee, United States · NIH-11109493

  • Restoring breathing after spinal cord injury

    This study is looking at a new way to help people with chronic neck injuries breathe better by using special techniques to boost the signals between their brain and spinal cord.

    NIH research Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center · Milwaukee, United States · NIH-11098431

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.