NIH-funded research R01 grant

Investigating the role of lymphatics in osteoarthritis among older adults

Official title: Synovial lymphatics and osteoarthritis in aging

Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-10766197 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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.

More Aging research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Rochester
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project startJanuary 1, 2020
Project endNovember 30, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$384,227
NIH project number5R01AG059775-05
Project IDNIH-10766197 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Less likely to help

Patients who are younger or do not have osteoarthritis may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research explores how the lymphatic system in the joints of older adults may contribute to osteoarthritis (OA), a condition affecting millions. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind impaired lymphatic function in aging joints and how this may lead to cartilage damage and inflammation. By using advanced imaging tools and mouse models, researchers will investigate the relationship between lymphatic signaling and OA progression. The ultimate goal is to identify potential therapeutic strategies that could enhance lymphatic function and alleviate OA symptoms in older patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve joint health and reduce pain for older adults suffering from osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting lymphatic function in OA is novel, related research has shown promise in understanding joint health and inflammation.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Rochester
    Rochester, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Xing, Lianping — University of Rochester
  • Study coordinator: Xing, Lianping

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.

    NIH research Scripps Research Institute, the · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11327241

  • 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.

    NIH research Van Andel Research Institute · Grand Rapids, United States · NIH-11323109

  • 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.

    NIH research Scripps Research Institute, the · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11081657

  • Investigating how aging affects joint health and osteoarthritis development

    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.

    NIH research Van Andel Research Institute · Grand Rapids, United States · NIH-11077367

  • 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.

    NIH research Van Andel Research Institute · Grand Rapids, United States · NIH-10609825

  • 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.

    NIH research University of Arizona · Tucson, United States · NIH-10096225

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.