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Left to right: Douglas Phanstiel, PhD; Richard Loeser, MD; Brian Diekman, PhD

 

A new study from the labs of Douglas Phanstiel, PhD, Richard F. Loeser, Jr., MD, and Brian Diekman, PhD recently identified 13 risk genes that can increase chances for developing osteoarthritis (OA). The results from this study, published in Cell Genomics, has filled a considerable knowledge gap in the effort to define genetic targets for therapies.

The work on this project began in 2022 when they received a $2.5 million grant from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. This collaborative initiative was made possible by bringing together multiple areas of expertise between the PIs and their lab members. Using a genomics approach, they unveiled 13 genes that have a high probability of influencing genetic risk in OA. Six of the newly identified genes are brand new to scientists, in terms of their connections to the joint disease.

With these genes identified, the research team plans to continue their work on multiple fronts. Researchers from across the labs are currently performing studies to better understand the biological processes that are being initiated by their newly identified causal genes. Additionally, Dr. Loeser’s lab is conducting drug screening studies to find drug compounds that target the biological pathways of interest.

To learn more about this study and the researchers involved, read the full story by Kendall Rovinsky, UNC Health Communications Specialist, and read the published paper in the latest issue of Cell Genomics.