Investigating how Sirt5-mediated MaK regulates chondrocyte metabolism and contributes to OA development during aging and obesity.
Osteoarthritis Research Laboratory
Osteoarthritis Research Laboratory
We study how osteoarthritis (OA) occurs with different risk factors, such as aging and obesity, with a focus on the role of cellular metabolism in OA pathogenesis.
Our findings demonstrate that protein post-translational modification, lysine malonylation (MaK), is involved in chondrocyte metabolic dysfunctions during aging and obesity. MaK is increased in cartilage in these conditions, while the demalonylase SIRT5 decreases with aging. We are testing whether MaK is a potential therapeutic target for OA. Another major research line investigates the role of growth hormone (GH) in chondrocyte metabolism and OA development.
Active Research Projects
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Sirt5 and Protein Malonylation in OA
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Chondrocyte Lipogenesis
Exploring how acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1)-mediated de novo lipogenesis contributes to lipid accumulation, joint inflammation, and OA progression.
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Growth Hormone in OA
Studying how growth hormone regulates chondrocyte metabolism and OA development, including its potential as a therapeutic target.
Collaborations and Partners
We collaborate with researchers including John Kopchick (花季传媒), Dan Raftery (University of Washington), Martin-Paul Agbaga (OUHSC), Martin Lotz (Scripps), Mick Jurynec (University of Utah), and Anne-Marie Malfait (Rush University), among others.
Join the Osteoarthritis Research Laboratory
Interested in joining the laboratory? We are always seeking highly talented, extremely motivated, and serious scientists to join on team. For more information, contact Dr. Zhu at zhus1@ohio.edu.
Find Us
Zhu Lab
230 & 250 Life Science Building
Athens, Ohio 45701