Sensory nerves and joint cells talk to each other in knee arthritis

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

We will study how signals from sensory nerves (like CGRP) affect different cell types in the knee joint over time to see how pain and joint damage develop in osteoarthritis. Using animal models and cellular studies, the project will explore how blocking CGRP or altering its signaling changes pain behavior, inflammation, and tissue remodeling. The researchers aim to map which cells respond to CGRP and whether effects differ between males and females. The work could reveal why some treatments help with pain but worsen tissue changes in certain models. Findings could guide future therapies that target nerve–joint interactions to relieve pain while protecting the joint.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Wake Forest University Health Sciences
  Winston-Salem, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Peters, Christopher Michael — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
• Study coordinator: Peters, Christopher Michael

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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• From knee to brain: a whole-body look at inflammation in knee osteoarthritis

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• Determinants of rapid knee osteoarthritis progression using radiograph features

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  NIH research University of Arizona · Tucson, United States · NIH-11416360

• New ways to study nerve cells linked to knee osteoarthritis pain

  A researcher at a major university is exploring new models to understand how dorsal root ganglion nerves drive knee OA pain, with the aim of finding better ways to relieve pain.

  NIH research University of Cincinnati · Cincinnati, United States · NIH-11414947

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.