How obesity affects joint cell metabolism and contributes to osteoarthritis
Official title: Obesity promoting protein malonylation and chondrocyte metabolic dysfunction in osteoarthritis development
Funded at Ohio University Athens · NIH-10424671 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being overweight might affect older adults' joints and lead to arthritis, by exploring how extra weight changes the way joint cells work, with the hope of finding new ways to help prevent arthritis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio University Athens NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $453,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AR080813-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10424671 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those who are obese and at risk for developing osteoarthritis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not obese and do not have signs of osteoarthritis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between obesity and the development of osteoarthritis (OA) in older adults. It focuses on how obesity alters metabolism in joint cells, particularly in cartilage, leading to increased risk of OA. The study aims to identify metabolic changes caused by obesity and aging, which could inform new therapeutic strategies to reduce OA incidence. By exploring a phenomenon called 'carbon stress', the research seeks to understand how metabolic byproducts affect joint cell function and contribute to OA.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce the severity of osteoarthritis in obese individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding metabolic changes in joint cells related to obesity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio University Athens
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Shouan — Ohio University Athens
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Shouan
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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.