Understanding how fat tissue affects joint health in osteoarthritis

Unraveling Fundamental Mechanisms of Interorgan Crosstalk in Osteoarthritis

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-10908879

This study is looking at how fat in the body affects joint health and osteoarthritis, which causes pain and stiffness, by using special mice that don’t have fat to see how fat influences the joints, with the hope of finding new ways to treat this condition.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10908879 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the complex relationship between adipose (fat) tissue and osteoarthritis (OA), a condition that leads to joint pain and disability. It challenges the traditional view that OA is solely caused by mechanical stress on joints, highlighting the systemic influences of fat on joint health. By using a unique model of mice without fat, the researchers aim to uncover how fat communicates with cartilage and contributes to OA. The goal is to identify new systemic mediators that could lead to innovative treatments for OA.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from osteoarthritis, particularly those with obesity or related metabolic conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with osteoarthritis who do not have any associated metabolic conditions or obesity may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that address the root causes of osteoarthritis, improving pain management and physical function for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has begun to explore the systemic aspects of osteoarthritis, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights, although it remains a relatively novel area of investigation.

Where this research is happening

SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.