Recent findings: We have recently developed expertise in biology of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a nutritional and metabolic energy sensor, in cartilage homeostasis and OA. We have discovered that sustained AMPK activity in articular chondrocytes is critical for cartilage homeostatic balance, which provides a foundation to further explore therapeutic potential of targeted activation of AMPK signaling in limiting and/or delaying development and progression of OA. We have also found that pharmacologic activation of AMPK inhibits urate crystal-induced inflammation, and demonstrated that AMPK, at least in part, mediates beneficial effect of low dose colchicine for gout flare prophylaxis.
Recent grant support: VA Merit Review, NIAIMS, Arthritis Foundation.