Grant: CIHR Fellowship

Articular cartilage is the smooth, white connective tissue located at the ends of bones within synovial joints such as the knee. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease characterized by articular cartilage loss and joint inflammation that result in severe pain and disability. Though one in 10 Canadian adults suffers from osteoarthritis, there are no therapies available to prevent or reverse its progression. The goal of my research is to develop treatments for osteoarthritis using a state-of-the-art technique known as gene therapy - an approach that allows DNA to be introduced into an individual's cells to alter their behavior and treat disease. This new approach will be developed using a mouse model of osteoarthritis. Specifically, my research will focus on reducing inflammation and promoting cartilage repair by transferring two genes simultaneously into the joints of mice with osteoarthritis. It is expected that this therapy will result in improved joint function, reduced pain and improved articular cartilage health compared to untreated mice. If shown to be safe and effective in animal models, the findings of this research could provide an effective means to treat the progression of osteoarthritis in human patients.