Understanding the genetics behind osteoarthritis risk and progression
Official title: Genetics of Osteoarthritis Susceptibility, Heterogeneity and Progression
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10980179 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our genes might make some people more likely to get osteoarthritis and how it gets worse over time, and it’s especially for those who haven’t been studied much before; by sharing some of your genetic information and health details, you can help us find better, personalized treatments for OA.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | August 22, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $578,944 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AR082839-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10980179 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a family history of osteoarthritis or those experiencing symptoms of the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with osteoarthritis who do not have a genetic predisposition or those who are not interested in genetic research may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic factors that contribute to osteoarthritis (OA) susceptibility and its progression. By analyzing genetic variations, the study aims to identify specific genes associated with OA, which could lead to personalized treatment approaches. The research will focus on understanding how these genetic factors differ by joint site and sex, particularly in populations that have been underrepresented in previous studies. Patients may be involved in providing genetic samples and health data to help uncover these associations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, personalized strategies for preventing and treating osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in identifying genetic factors related to osteoarthritis, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcdonald Donnelly, Merry-Lynn Noelle — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Mcdonald Donnelly, Merry-Lynn Noelle
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how knee pain and knee obesity and muscle loss affect knee osteoarthritis
This project looks at how knee swelling, excess knee fat, and muscle loss relate to pain and structural changes in knee osteoarthritis in adults.
-
Identifying OA subtypes and early warning signs before joint damage
This grant asks researchers to find early, invisible clues of osteoarthritis subtypes so we can target treatments before joints are damaged.
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Digital biomarkers to guide personalized rehab after ACL injury
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-
Aberrant mechano-oxygen coupling linked to zinc-rich mineralization in osteoarthritis
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Notch signaling in TMJ osteoarthritis: uncovering mechanisms and new targets
Researchers are studying how Notch signaling affects TMJ osteoarthritis to identify new ways to protect and repair the jaw joint.
-
Nanoparticles delivering an sPLA2 blocker for knee osteoarthritis
This project uses tiny, drug-filled nanoparticles to deliver an sPLA2-blocking medicine into the knee to reduce inflammation and slow knee osteoarthritis in people with painful knee OA.
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.