Girk channels in cartilage development and repair

This project will help determine how proteins called Girk2 and Girk3 contribute to cartilage formation and repair in the setting of osteoarthritis. The investigators believe that osteoarthritis can be prevented if these proteins are absent or inactive. This work will lead to the development of better strategies to treat osteoarthritis.

Year 1 Progress Report:

Osteoarthritis is a common and debilitating disease characterized by cartilage damage or loss. This RMM-funded project explores how molecules called Girks control cartilage formation. Girks form channels on cell surfaces and regulate how much potassium enters and leaves cells. We found that Girks act as breaks on cartilage formation and that removing Girks increases cartilage in long bones. During the first year of the award, we found that deletion of just one Girk is sufficient to generate longer bones. Weare on schedule to complete the aims within a year. Drugs affecting these Girk channels could be developed to enhance cartilage formation and promote regeneration in osteoarthritic joints.