New hope for arthritis cure
A Melbourne-led team of scientists has discovered the enzyme that destroys cartilage in inflammatory arthritis, offering new hope for sufferers.
Research team leader Dr Amanda Fosang (Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute) said the research was the first to report a single enzyme deficiency that could protect against arthritis.
Cartilage is found throughout the body, most notably covering bone endings in joints such as the knee and hip. Dr Fosang said a large molecule called aggrecan gives cartilage its unique capacity to bear load and resist compression. It is broken down in arthritis, resulting in a weak cartilage and painful joints. The enzyme responsible for breaking down aggrecan was unknown until now.
For more information visit www.paediatrics.unimelb.edu.au or www.mcri.edu.au
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