Grant: Operating Grant

Arthritis commonly refers to several related conditions that affect joints, causing pain, inflammation and swelling and osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form. Osteoarthritis occurs when there is damage in and around the joints, which the body cannot repair. Currently there is no cure for arthritis, which significantly affects an individual's ability to manage daily activities, quality of life and productivity. Approximately 20% of women in Canada and 13% of men suffer from arthritis. Despite much effort, the causes and factors involved in the development of arthritis are not fully known. One form of growth factor called, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), which is produced in many tissues in the body is implicated in this disease process. Abnormal action of TGF-beta in the joints can potentially cause cartilage destruction leading to the development of osteoarthritis or other joint diseases. In the current research proposal, we plan to address and understand several unanswered questions related to the biology of TGF-beta in human cartilage cells (chondrocytes). Our goal will be to ascertain the causes for the abnormal action of TGF-beta in cartilage cells and what other factors in these cells take part in this process that ultimately leads to arthritic conditions. We believe that the knowledge gained from this proposed research may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of this debilitating disease.