Investigating proteins in joint fluid to understand osteoarthritis
Official title: Project 2: Synovial Fluid Proteomics
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11056751 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the proteins in the fluid around your joints and in your blood to help us understand osteoarthritis better, especially in older adults, which could lead to new ways to track the disease and find better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,157,872 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AG076471-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056751 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis, particularly those with knee and multi-site joint involvement.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with osteoarthritis who do not have knee or multi-site joint involvement may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, particularly in older adults. It aims to analyze proteins found in synovial fluid, which is the fluid in joints, and compare them with proteins in blood plasma. By identifying specific biomarkers in these fluids, the research seeks to better understand the biological processes behind knee and multi-site OA. This could lead to improved methods for assessing disease progression and potentially identifying new treatment targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of biomarkers that help in diagnosing and monitoring osteoarthritis more effectively.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using proteomic analyses to identify biomarkers in other conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach in osteoarthritis.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Felson, David Tobin — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Felson, David Tobin
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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.