Investigating how aging affects joint health and osteoarthritis development
Official title: Endogenous retrovirus in joint aging and osteoarthritis development
Funded at Van Andel Research Institute · NIH-11077367 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older and stress on our cells might lead to osteoarthritis, a common joint problem, and aims to find new ways to help treat it by understanding how changes in our joint cells can cause inflammation and joint damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Van Andel Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Rapids, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $573,573 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG083568-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077367 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults over 60 years old who are experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis or are at risk for developing the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are under 21 years old or those without any joint issues may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of aging and cellular stress in the development of osteoarthritis (OA), a common joint disease. The study aims to explore how changes in chromatin structure within joint cells contribute to OA progression. By examining the effects of age-related stressors on these cells, researchers hope to identify new therapeutic targets for OA treatment. The approach includes analyzing cellular mechanisms and the activation of specific genetic elements that may lead to inflammation and joint degeneration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that address the underlying causes of osteoarthritis rather than just managing symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the cellular mechanisms of aging and joint diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Van Andel Research Institute
Grand Rapids, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Tao — Van Andel Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Yang, Tao
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
FoxO factors and aging joints: a path toward healthier cartilage
A new NIH project looks at how FoxO proteins influence aging cartilage to understand and possibly slow osteoarthritis.
-
Viral-like DNA elements and joint aging in osteoarthritis
This project looks at whether viral-like DNA inside joint cells causes those cells to age and contribute to osteoarthritis in adults.
-
Investigating how FoxO transcription factors affect joint aging and osteoarthritis.
This study is looking at how certain proteins called FoxO might affect joint health as we age and how they relate to osteoarthritis, with the hope of finding new ways to help keep our joints healthy as we get older.
-
Investigating the role of lymphatics in osteoarthritis among older adults
This study is looking at how the lymphatic system in the joints of older adults might play a role in osteoarthritis, with the hope of finding new ways to improve joint health and reduce pain for those living with this condition.
-
Investigating how a specific enzyme affects joint aging and osteoarthritis.
This study is looking at how a specific enzyme called SENP6 affects the aging of cartilage in our joints and contributes to osteoarthritis, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent or treat this condition.
-
Understanding knee aging and osteoarthritis through imaging
This study is looking at how healthy knees age compared to knees with osteoarthritis, to help figure out who might be at risk for worsening knee problems, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding more about knee health and pain.
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.