Understanding how nerves interact with the knee joint
Official title: Mapping the joint-nerve interactome of the knee
Funded at Rush University Medical Center · NIH-10861323 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the nerves in your knee might be linked to chronic low back pain and other joint issues, using advanced 3D models to better understand these connections and how they affect your overall joint health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,223,463 |
| NIH project number | 3UC2AR082186-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10861323 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from chronic low back pain or knee joint disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute injuries or conditions unrelated to nerve interactions in the knee or lower back may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between nerves and the knee joint, focusing on how these connections may contribute to chronic low back pain and other joint disorders. By creating detailed 3D models and cell atlases, the team aims to profile the sensory nerve cells associated with the knee at a single-cell level. The study also explores the degeneration of intervertebral discs and facet joints, examining how these changes affect nerve function and pain perception. This comprehensive approach combines advanced techniques and expertise from multiple institutions to enhance our understanding of joint health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for chronic pain conditions related to the knee and lower back.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding nerve interactions in other joints, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Malfait, Anne-Marie — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Malfait, Anne-Marie
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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.