Investigating how type III collagen affects cartilage health and disease

Roles of Type III Collagen in the Matrix Assembly and Mechanobiology of Cartilage

NIH-funded research Drexel University · NIH-11086043

This study is looking at how a special type of collagen, called type III collagen, affects cartilage health and its role in osteoarthritis, with the goal of finding new ways to help repair and regenerate cartilage for people dealing with this condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDrexel University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11086043 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of type III collagen in the structure and function of cartilage, particularly in the context of osteoarthritis (OA). The team will explore how collagen III influences the assembly of the cartilage matrix and the behavior of cartilage cells (chondrocytes) during growth, maintenance, and disease. By using advanced techniques, they aim to uncover how the loss of collagen III may lead to increased susceptibility to OA and cartilage degeneration. The findings could help develop better strategies for cartilage repair and regeneration.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing osteoarthritis or those at risk of developing cartilage degeneration.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cartilage health or those who do not have osteoarthritis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for osteoarthritis, potentially restoring cartilage function and reducing pain for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding collagen's role in cartilage health, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.