Characterisation of the role of UBR5, a ubiquitin ligase, in bone disease

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease that results from breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone. Worldwide incidence is about 3.3% of the population which increases with age to about 10 – 18% for men and women, respectively, over 60. The primary risk factor is believed to be mechanical stress but with a hereditary basis a key element. We developed an animal model that lacks an important gene and as a result, recapitulates a severe form of OA. Based on these genetic studies, we propose to develop a cell system to investigate the molecular basis of action of this gene.