Understanding the genetics and imaging of osteoarthritis
Official title: A comprehensive imaging genetics framework for osteoarthritis research
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11041193 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for early signs of osteoarthritis and how it gets worse over time, using advanced imaging and genetic tools, to help find better ways to diagnose and treat the condition for people living with it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | February 21, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $649,156 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR082684-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11041193 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with osteoarthritis or those at risk of developing the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with forms of arthritis other than osteoarthritis may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, which currently lacks disease-modifying treatments. The project aims to identify early signs of OA and its progression by utilizing advanced imaging techniques and genetic analysis. By combining large datasets from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with deep learning approaches, the research seeks to uncover genetic markers that could lead to new drug development. Patients may benefit from improved diagnostic methods and potential new treatments for OA.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of targeted therapies for osteoarthritis, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using imaging genetics for other conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in osteoarthritis.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Niethammer, Marc — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Niethammer, Marc
Related research
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-
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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.