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Treating Obesity-Induced Osteoarthritis with Agrin

Overview

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of long-term joint pain and disability worldwide. It affects millions of people and places a significant burden on individuals, healthcare systems, and society. Despite this, there is currently no cure—existing treatments focus mainly on relieving symptoms rather than stopping or reversing the disease. Obesity is one of the strongest risk factors for OA. However, the link goes beyond increased pressure on joints. Inflammation and metabolic changes associated with obesity play a major role in driving joint damage. This research explores these underlying mechanisms and investigates a promising new treatment called Agrin. Agrin has shown the ability to promote cartilage repair, reduce pain, and potentially prevent osteoarthritis progression. The goal of this project is to better understand how Agrin works in obesity-related OA and to pave the way for more effective treatments. 

Why this study matters

There is an urgent need for treatments that do more than manage symptoms—they must address the root causes of osteoarthritis. This is particularly important for obesity-related OA, which is increasing alongside global obesity rates and involves complex biological processes such as inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. Current therapies do not target these underlying drivers of disease. By investigating Agrin as a disease-modifying treatment, this study aims to fill a critical gap in care. If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that not only relieve pain but also slow or reverse joint damage, improving quality of life for patients and reducing the wider impact of OA on healthcare systems and communities. 

What we’re doing

This project combines laboratory-based (in vitro) and animal (in vivo) research to understand how Agrin can be used to treat obesity-induced osteoarthritis. A large in vivo study has been completed using 80 C57BL/6 mice. These mice were fed either a high-fat diet to model obesity-related osteoarthritis or a standard diet and subsequently treated with Agrin or a salt solution (PBS) as a control. 

The effects of Agrin are being assessed across several key areas: 

  • Pain and mobility  
  • Cartilage damage and joint health  
  • Metabolic changes  
  • Molecular and inflammatory pathways

In parallel, laboratory-based (in vitro) studies are exploring how Agrin interacts with cells and the biological processes involved in osteoarthritis. 

Advanced techniques—including proteomics, imaging, and histological analysis—are being used to build a detailed understanding of how this treatment works. These findings will help guide the next steps toward clinical translation. 

Who is involved

This research is supported by a team of leading experts in osteoarthritis and regenerative medicine: 

  • Dr Suzanne Eldridge – Senior Lecturer with an established international reputation in cartilage repair and regenerative medicine  
  • Professor Francesco Del’Accio – Practising rheumatologist and internationally recognised leader in osteoarthritis pathogenesis and molecular target identification

The fellowship is jointly funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Kennedy Trust, supporting innovative research with strong potential for clinical impact. 

The work is based at Queen Mary University of London and brings together multidisciplinary expertise in osteoarthritis research, molecular biology, imaging, and translational science. 

Current status

The project is currently in the analysis phase following completion of the in vivo study. 

Ongoing analyses include: 

  • Pain assessment (PAM and incapacitance measurements)  
  • SomaLogic proteomics  
  • Knee and organ histopathology  
  • MicroCT imaging  

These results will provide key insights into how Agrin may work as a treatment for obesity-related osteoarthritis.

Get involved / Find out more

This is a preclinical study and is not currently recruiting participants.

For further information, collaboration opportunities, or updates on this research, please contact: f.scerif@qmul.ac.uk

Future stages of this work may include clinical studies to bring this promising therapy closer to patient care.

Funded by

Daphne Jackson 

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