|
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: 2005-2006
SRID - Osteoarthritis
SRID - Inflammatory
Joint Disease
SRID - Restoration
of Joint Function
SRID - Inflammatory Joint Disease
Quality of care for RA at the population level
Principal Investigator: Diane Lacaille
Co-Principal Investigators: M. Abrahamowicz, A. Anis, J. Esdaile
Abstract
We have identified all people with RA across BC to assess
whether people with RA are receiving appropriate care. Our
results show that people are under treated, as most are
not receiving medications considered essential for RA (DMARDs)
and few are followed by rheumatologists. We propose to build
on this research by understanding underlying reasons for
the gaps in care identified, in order to develop strategies
to address these gaps; and to evaluate the impact of care
on outcomes relevant to consumers, such as disease, ability
to work and death. This research will lead to improved quality
of care for people with RA.
Development of a self-management distance treatment for adolescents with arthritis: phase 1
Principal Investigator: Brian Feldman
Co-Principal Investigators: C. Duffy, P. Malleson, P. McGrath, B. Stevens, J. Stinson, R. Yeung
Abstract
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is a chronic childhood
illness that impacts quality of life. While activities to
manage JIA are shared by the child and family, adolescents
are expected to assume a greater role in disease management.
Greater self-management early on could help prevent worsening
of the disease and symptoms. Therefore, it is important
to develop programs to make it easier for adolescents to
manage their disease. This study will determine the self-management
needs of adolescents with JIA and their parents to develop
a web-based home program of self-management, information
and social support to improve quality of life.
Synovitis in early RA: a bedside to bench approach
Principal Investigator: Hani El-Gabalawy
Co-Principal Investigators: M. Buschmann, C. McCulloch, K. Siminovitch
Abstract
It is not known why the joint inflammation seen in rheumatoid
arthritis (RA) persists and progresses. To help answer this
question we will study patients at the earliest stages of
their disease using state-of-the-art genomic and proteomic
tools that simultaneously detect many molecules in a single
sample. Blood samples and samples of inflamed synovial tissue
from early RA patients will be tested to determine the molecular
pathways that are important at this stage of the disease.
These techniques will also be used to study cells from the
inflamed joints. Finally, we will use a new arthroscopic
instrument to measure the biochemical properties of cartilage
from the same patients.
Disability at work: measuring the progression of at-work disability and workplace productivity loss.
Principal Investigator: Dorcas Beaton
Co-Principal Investigators: A. Anis, E. Badley, C. Bombardier, M. Gignac, D. Lacaille
Abstract
Arthritis is a disabling disease affecting people in the
prime of their working years (45-65 years). Many people
with arthritis do remain employed, but experience a variety
of work changes or transitions, as well as difficulty doing
their jobs. These difficulties and transitions and their
related costs (lost earnings, productivity) are poorly understood
because we lack appropriate measures. The purpose of this
project is to describe the course and costs of workplace
disability in a sample of people with arthritis, to estimate
cost impact, and to identify variables that are associated
with differences in workplace disability experiences.
Return to Top
SRID - Osteoarthritis
Functional genomics of cartilage: identification of novel targets for cartilage regeneration
Principal Investigator: Frank Beier
Co-Principal Investigators: J. Aubin, J. Henderson, B. Stanford, R. St-Arnaud, B. St-Jacques, M. Underhill
Abstract
Loss of cartilage is a hallmark of many arthritic diseases.
One of the most promising strategies to treat this problem
is the creation of novel cartilage in vitro and subsequent
implantation into the damaged joint. In order to achieve
this, it will be essential to tightly regulate the behaviour
of the cells (chondrocytes) within the engineered cartilage.
This proposal will identify the most crucial genes and pathways
regulating chondrocyte biology using mouse models, large
scale analyses of gene expression and bioinformatics. These
studies will improve current protocols and lead to novel
approaches to generate cartilage for subsequent transplantation
into patients.
Return to Top
SRID - Restoration of Joint Function
Development of tissue-engineered joint surface replacements
Principal Investigator: Robert Pilliar
Co-Principal Investigators: M. Grynpas, M. Hurtig, R. Kandel, J. Medley, P. Zalzal
Abstract
Our goal is to develop a novel tissue-engineered biological
hemi-implant for the resurfacing of a large portion of a
damaged joint. Articular cartilage will be grown on and
anchored to a porous biodegradable calcium polyphosphate
(CPP) structure formed as a shell to be anchored to subchondral
bone in the affected region. Structure and mechanical properties
of the porous CPP shell will be such as to support expected
in vivo loads prior to and following bone ingrowth resulting
in implant anchorage. Tribological and initial animal model
studies using preferred CPP structures will be undertaken.
Stem cell to chondrocyte
Principal Investigator: T. Michael Underhill
Co-Principal Investigators: J. Aubin, F. Beier, B. Stanford
Abstract
Biological restoration of the joint surface will involve
successful generation of hyaline cartilage. Cartilage has
little regenerative potential, thus effective methods need
to be developed for generating adequate numbers of bona
fide chondrocytes for repairing joint surfaces. Currently,
transplanted chondrocytes are typically generated from expansion
of autologous cells obtained from surgical harvesting of
cartilage plug(s). This approach has met with some success,
however, difficulties arise in generating sufficient numbers
of cells with a stable chondrocytic phenotype and in the
need for surgery to obtain plug(s). In this proposal, we
will circumvent these limitations by providing an alternative
source of chondrocytes derived from stem cells.
Return to Top
Return to Research Grants Awards
|
