Osteoarthritis: from molecule to societal impact

Although osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of pain and disability worldwide, the basic mechanisms of its aetiology and pathogenesis remain unclear.Here, we will use a multidisciplinary approach to determine the development of OA, from early changes in the proteome, to alterations in tissue microstructure and impact on biomechanical properties, as well as societal impact of OA.

Specifically, we will test a novel hypothesis I propose for the origin of one of the most common phenotypes of knee OA, beginning with the molecular degeneration of a key, load-distributing tissue, the meniscus.I have established a unique human tissue biobank, with samples covering the entire spectrum from healthy to advanced OA.

We will analyse these samples using complementary cutting-edge techniques including mass spectrometry, synchrotron light, biomechanical testing, molecular histology, and 3D micro-CT imaging.

Analysis of the same study sample with each of these techniques will enable the most comprehensive insights yet into the aetiology and early pathogenesis of OA.

In parallel we will continue imaging our longitudinal 7 Tesla knee MRI cohort as well as well-proven population-based register research on OA to enable more sustainable health care.My team includes internationally renowned collaborators in proteomics, synchrotron light experiments, biomechanics, medical physics, and biostatistics to enable new knowledge treatment targets of OA, a global threat to healthy ageing.