Understanding how joints develop in the body
Official title: Cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating synovial joint development
Funded at Rowan University School/osteopathic Med · NIH-10916567 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our joints form in the early stages of development, focusing on the important parts that help them move smoothly, and it aims to help us understand more about joint health for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rowan University School/osteopathic Med NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stratford, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $73,176 |
| NIH project number | 5K01AR078387-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916567 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in the biological mechanisms of joint development, particularly those with conditions affecting joint health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed joints or those not experiencing joint-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the development of synovial joints, which are crucial for movement and overall quality of life. The study focuses on the early stages of joint formation during embryogenesis, particularly how the synovial cavity and its lubricating fluid are created. By examining the role of specific cells and molecules, such as hyaluronan, the research aims to uncover the processes that lead to the formation of functional joints. This could provide insights into joint health and development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of joint development, potentially informing treatments for joint-related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on joint development mechanisms is relatively novel, related research has shown success in understanding joint biology and its implications for health.
Where this research is happening
-
Rowan University School/osteopathic Med
Stratford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Minwook — Rowan University School/osteopathic Med
- Study coordinator: Kim, Minwook
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
HIV, Cocaine Use, and Brain Lipid Balance in Astrocytes
This project looks at how HIV and cocaine use disrupt how brain support cells called astrocytes handle lipids, which could affect brain health.
-
Role of brain Avpr1a neurons in social behavior
Researchers are studying how specific brain cells that respond to a hormone called AVP influence how people and animals interact socially, with potential implications for understanding disorders like autism.
-
Understanding swallowing problems in Parkinson’s disease using a rat model
A researcher is studying how Parkinson’s-related brain changes beyond the usual areas affect swallowing, using rat models to find ways to help people with PD who have trouble eating or aspirating.
-
Neural circuits behind motivation problems in an Alzheimer’s rat model
This grant investigates why motivation and goal-directed behavior decline in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease, aiming to uncover brain circuits that affect behavior.
-
Magnesium inside heart cell mitochondria and how it affects damage after blood flow returns
This work looks at how magnesium inside heart cell powerhouses affects cell damage when blood flow returns after a heart attack, with the goal of helping people with ischemic heart injury.
-
Investigating how HIV interacts with brain cells to control infection
This study is looking at how HIV impacts certain brain cells that help with the immune system, and it hopes to find new ways to keep the virus from causing problems, which could lead to better treatments for people living with HIV.
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.