PGP 2008-2009 | PGP 2009-2010 | PGP 2010-2011
SRP 2009-2010 | SRP 2010-2011
DAP: 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011
PPG: 2008 | 2009 | 2010
SRI in OA 2003-2008 | SRI in IJD 2006-2011 | SRI in BIO 2008-2012
SRID: 2007-2008 | 2006-2007 | 2005-2006 | 2004-2005 | 2003-2005 | 2002-2004

Research Grants Awards

Research funding: 2004-2005

SRID - Inflammatory Joint Disease
SRID - Osteoarthritis
SRID - Restoration of Joint Function

SRID - Inflammatory Joint Disease

Biology and Outcomes in Spondyloarthriitis: a transdisciplinary prospective multicentre study
Principal Investigator: Robert Inman
Co-Principal Investigators: D. Gladman, W. Maksymowych, P. Rahman, M. Stone

Abstract
The prevalence of spondyloarthritis (SpA) approaches that of rheumatoid arthritis, and the disability and economic impact of these two chronic diseases is comparable. Despite this, SpA has been comparatively underrepresented both in terms of translational research and in the development of effective biologic therapy. The current proposal represents a collaborative initiative which links investigators into an effective research network to apply state-of-the-art methodologies of basic and clinical research to address the important gaps in existing knowledge in SpA. The two broad themes in this proposal will be (i) The biologic basis of SpA. This will address the genetic basis of susceptibility to the disease and of the expressed gene profile, the serological assessment of disease activity and severity by cytokine and biomarker measurements, and the immunological profile of the disease. (ii) Clinical outcomes in SpA, This will address clinical and radiographic outcomes to assess the structural damage over time, the response to therapy and the clinical burden of illness in terms of quality of life, disability and socio-economic impact.

Disability while at work: A comparison of different measures in persons with arthritis.
Principal Investigator: Claire Bombardier
Co-Principal Investigator: D. Beaton, M. Gignac, D. Lacaille, S. Solway

Abstract
Arthritis patients periodically miss days off work but also may be less productive while at work. This study will compare new approaches to measure self-reported "decreased productivity at work". The results will provide guidance on which measure is best suited to quantify work disability in patients with arthritis and to help plan workplace interventions.

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SRID - Osteoarthritis

Risk factors that predict the progression of osteoarthritis after knee injury: A pilot project
Principal Investigator: Mark Hurtig
Co-Principal Investigators: M. Buschmann, J. Dickey, S Shirazi-Adl, L. White, J. Wilkins

Abstract
The aim of this proposal is to identify factors that put patients at risk of knee osteoarthritis (OA) after knee injuries. The goal is to identify factors that predict which patients need special, care such as medication, reconstructive surgery, physiotherapy and counseling in order to prevent or slow the progression of OA. Using mathematical modeling and new diagnostic tests we will re-examine 60 patients that had ACL and related injuries 5-6 years ago to determine which patients are developing OA and why. This study would identify patients who are at risk of developing OA after knee injury, allowing our health care system to focus attention and resources on those people who need them most.

Functional Genomics of Cartilage: Molecular Approaches to identify novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets
Principal Investigator: Frank Beier
Co-Principal Investigators: J. Aubin, J. Henderson, W. Stanford, R. St-Arnaud, B. St-Jacques, M. Underhill

Abstract
Currently, only a few diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets for the treatment of osteoarthritis are available. We propose the comparative analyses of gene expression patterns in several mutant mouse strains displaying severe cartilage defects. These studies will result in the identification of novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets in arthritis.

A model system for studying the clearance of cartilage biomarkers from normal and osteoarthritic joints
Principal Investigator: John Matyas
Co-Principal Investigator: Robin Poole

Abstract
A model system will study the clearance of biomarkers from the joint into the systemic circulation in normal and osteoarthritic joints. The rates of formation and disappearance biomarkers will also be studied in the joint fluid, serum, and urine after generating biomarkers in vitro and in vivo using enzymes or transplanted cartilage (which disintegrates). The clearance of biomarkers will be compared among normal knees, sham-operated knees, and knees with experimental osteoarthritis.

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SRID - Restoration of Joint Function

Recombinant peptides for the promotion of mineral formation
Principal Investigator: Harvey Goldberg
Co-Principal Investigators: M. Buschmann, M. Grynpas, L. Gilles, D. Holdsworth, G. Hunter, J. Sodek

Abstract
Loss of the bone supporting joints often occurs in rheumatoid arthritis. A means of regenerating this bone would be of great benefit to those with severe arthritis. We propose to use bone sialoprotein, which we have previously shown to be involved in bone mineralization, to induce new bone formation in experimental animals.

Abstract
To identify novel inhibitors that will effectively block recruitment and activation of pro-inflammatory immune and inflammatory cells in articular cartilage and the synovium. In particular, we will study how the group of pro-inflammatory mediators termed chemokines are proteolytically inactivated. Our previous CAN funded work identified that tissue-degrading enzymes (matrix metalloproteinases; MMPs) also efficiently cleave chemokines to produce chemokine antagonists. This heralds a potentially new class of anti-inflammatory agents for the treatment of arthritis.

Abstract
The loss of a joint ligament leads to functional instability and osteoarthritis. We successfully produced and grafted a tissue-engineered ligament in the goat model. We now want to assess our ligament integration in the dog since, like humans, it often ruptures its ACL, and is therefore a suitable clinical model.

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