Maintaining and restoring joint homeostasis in chronic arthritis

Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) are characterized
by pain and a reduction in the range of motion and function of the
skeleton. RMDs represent some of the more burdensome chronic
conditions affecting our society. Their high prevalence and disabling
consequences impose an enormous burden on individuals and
on our societies, in terms of work and productivity loss, and of costs
for health care and social security systems. My research focuses on
osteoarthritis and spondyloarthritis, two common and often severe
RMDs. In this project my team will further explore the molecular
mechanisms that determine the balance between the maintenance of
joint homeostasis and the development of joint disease. We will focus
on key pathways and processes in the joint such as Wnt signaling
and biomechanical stress. By modulating such pathways and their
regulators and by advancing the novel concept of micro-rehabilitation
of the chondrocyte's cell memory, we aim for novel breakthroughs
and new therapeutic targets for these diseases.