Joint fluid proteins linked to osteoarthritis
Project 2: Synovial Fluid Proteomics
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS · NIH-11311331
This project looks for patterns of proteins in joint fluid and blood from people with knee or multi-joint osteoarthritis to find markers of disease and its causes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11311331 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be asked to provide a sample of synovial (joint) fluid from an affected joint and a blood sample. Researchers will measure many proteins in the paired joint fluid and plasma using proteomic methods and compare those patterns across people with knee-only OA and those with OA in multiple joints. The team aims to separate molecules that come from the joint itself versus systemic factors and to find molecular signatures tied to disease presence or progression. Results could point to biomarkers that help track OA or suggest new biological targets for treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis affecting multiple joints who can provide joint fluid and blood samples are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without osteoarthritis or those unwilling or unable to undergo joint fluid collection are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to tests that detect or monitor osteoarthritis earlier and identify targets for new therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous proteomic studies have found candidate protein markers but no proteomic biomarker has yet become a validated clinical test, so this builds on promising but still early work.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FELSON, DAVID TOBIN — BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS
- Study coordinator: FELSON, DAVID TOBIN
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 below.