Nerve changes in the knee that drive osteoarthritis pain
Osteoarthritis Progression And Sensory Pathway Alterations
This project looks at whether a specific type of nerve fiber in the knee causes pain for people with osteoarthritis and whether targeting it could reduce that pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11227870 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers map pain-sensing nerve fibers in both mouse and human knees and track how those nerves remodel as osteoarthritis develops. They focus on a nerve subset called NP1, identified by the receptor Mrgprd, that appears to sprout into the joint lining and subchondral bone during disease. In mice lacking Mrgprd, early data show less weightbearing-related pain, so the team will test how blocking or altering NP1 fibers affects pain and nerve sprouting. The work combines animal models, molecular mapping, and analysis of human knee tissue to identify druggable targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with painful knee osteoarthritis, especially those with localized weightbearing pain who can donate tissue or consider future clinical trials, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without knee osteoarthritis, those whose pain comes from other joints or generalized pain syndromes, or those unable to provide tissue samples would be unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that reduce knee pain in osteoarthritis by blocking harmful nerve changes.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical animal studies, including Mrgprd knockout mice, have shown protection from OA-related weightbearing pain, but translating this approach to people is still novel.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Rush University Medical Center — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Malfait, Anne-Marie — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Malfait, Anne-Marie
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.