Research summary
Osteoarthritis affects one in six Canadians, and is the most common cause of disability in older adults worldwide. Marked by progressive deterioration of the cartilage in joints, osteoarthritis leads to pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced movement. Its precise cause is unknown, and there are no medicines to prevent it from developing.
Dr. Mohit Kapoor, Canada Research Chair in Mechanisms of Joint Degeneration, is addressing this gap by improving our understanding of the basic biology of osteoarthritis. Specifically, Kapoor has identified some potential underlying mechanisms associated with the disease, including loss or over-activation of certain cells that are important to healthy joint tissue. Now, he and his research team are testing whether drugs can target these cells to prevent or stop cartilage from deteriorating.
Kapoor and his team are also evaluating whether there are genetic or molecular markers that could help predict who is at risk for developing osteoarthritis. By analyzing thousands of patient tissue samples from one of the world’s largest biobanks, they are on the cusp of discovering if a simple blood test could diagnose at-risk patients.
Ultimately, Kapoor’s research is paving the way for new tools to diagnose and treat osteoarthritis. His close collaboration with surgeons, doctors, biologists and other joint specialists means his most promising findings can be tested in clinical trials, improving the health and well-being of people with osteoarthritis worldwide.