New genes linked to knee osteoarthritis risk
Identifying novel osteoarthritis risk genes using GWAS, chondrocyte genomics, and genome editing
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11169862
Researchers are combining large-scale genetics and lab-grown cartilage cell experiments to find gene changes that raise the risk of knee osteoarthritis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11169862 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From your perspective, the team is looking for DNA changes that increase the chance of knee OA by combining population genetics with lab work on cartilage cells. They will use GWAS data to find risk regions, map those regions to the genes they control in chondrocytes, and then use genome editing in an ex vivo cartilage model to see how those genes change cell behavior. The project links genetic signals to specific target genes and measures their effects on cartilage cells outside the body. The goal is to create a clearer biological map that can guide development of future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people with knee osteoarthritis who can donate clinical data or cartilage/tissue samples through collaborating clinics at or near UNC Chapel Hill.
Not a fit: People without knee OA or those seeking immediate symptom relief or surgery are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new biological targets that lead to therapies to slow or prevent knee osteoarthritis before joint replacement is needed.
How similar studies have performed: Similar combinations of GWAS and functional genomics have identified risk genes in other diseases, but applying these methods to knee OA is still emerging and partially untested.
Where this research is happening
CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL — CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PHANSTIEL, DOUGLAS H. — UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- Study coordinator: PHANSTIEL, DOUGLAS H.
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.