NFAT1 transcription factor as a therapy for osteoarthritis
Official title: Therapeutic role of NFAT1 Transcription Factor in Osteoarthritis
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11381118 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at using a gene regulator (NFAT1) to slow or reverse osteoarthritis in adults by delivering therapy with AAV vectors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $442,193 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR083469-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11381118 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with or at risk for osteoarthritis who may be eligible for future therapeutic studies involving NFAT1-based delivery.
✕Less likely to help
People without OA or without access to joint-targeted therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores whether boosting NFAT1 in joint tissues can protect cartilage and reduce OA progression in adults. Researchers will use AAV-based delivery to modulate NFAT1 levels in joint tissue and monitor effects on cartilage health and OA severity. The study builds on animal data and preliminary human observations to understand if NFAT1 could become a treatment to halt joint aging and degeneration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to a new biologic approach to slowing or reversing osteoarthritis in adults.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier animal studies show OA changes linked to NFAT1 and suggest potential for human relevance, but translation to patients is ongoing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Jinxi — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Wang, Jinxi
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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.