Biomarker Analysis Services for Osteoarthritis
Protheragen offers specialized biomarker analysis services tailored to osteoarthritis research and therapeutic development. Our comprehensive biomarker panel is designed to facilitate a deep understanding of osteoarthritis pathophysiology, supporting the advancement of drug discovery programs through preclinical development stages. Please note that all services are strictly focused on preclinical research and drug discovery; we do not provide clinical diagnostic services.
The foundation of effective osteoarthritis therapeutic intervention lies in the rigorous discovery and identification of relevant biomarkers. At Protheragen, our biomarker discovery services are integral to the drug development process, enabling the identification of molecular indicators associated with disease onset, progression, and response to candidate therapeutics. Through systematic screening and validation, we employ robust methodologies to ensure the reliability and relevance of identified biomarkers, supporting informed decision-making in early-stage drug development.
Multi Omics: Leveraging cutting-edge -omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, Protheragen enables comprehensive studies of biological systems involved in osteoarthritis. Our multi-omics approach facilitates the identification of DNA, RNA, protein, and metabolite biomarkers, providing a holistic view of disease mechanisms. This strategy allows for the elucidation of key pathways implicated in osteoarthritis, such as extracellular matrix remodeling, inflammation, and immune regulation, thereby informing therapeutic targeting strategies.
Candidate Validation: Our candidate validation and prioritization process employs a combination of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo strategies to assess the association of identified biomarkers with osteoarthritis pathophysiology. Preliminary screening processes include quantitative and qualitative analyses to determine biomarker specificity, sensitivity, and biological relevance. Promising candidates are prioritized based on their mechanistic involvement in cartilage degradation, inflammation, and tissue remodeling, as well as their potential utility in monitoring disease progression or therapeutic response.
Diverse Technological Platforms: Protheragen offers custom assay development capabilities across a diverse array of technological platforms. Our services include the adaptation of analytical platforms to meet specific research requirements, ensuring optimal detection, quantification, and characterization of osteoarthritis-associated biomarkers. We integrate immunoassays, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, molecular diagnostics, and histopathology/imaging to provide comprehensive analytical solutions.
Immunoassays: We utilize ELISA, chemiluminescent, and multiplex immunoassays for the sensitive and specific detection of protein biomarkers in various sample types.
Mass Spectrometry: Our LC-MS/MS platforms enable precise quantification and structural analysis of proteins, peptides, and other analytes relevant to osteoarthritis.
Flow Cytometry: Flow cytometry is employed for the multiparametric analysis of cell populations, enabling the assessment of cell surface and intracellular biomarkers.
Molecular Diagnostics: We offer nucleic acid-based methods for the detection of gene expression changes, mutations, or epigenetic modifications associated with osteoarthritis.
Histopathology and Imaging: Histopathology and advanced imaging techniques are utilized to visualize tissue architecture, biomarker localization, and pathological changes in osteoarthritic samples.
Rigorous Method Validation: All analytical methods undergo rigorous validation according to established guidelines, including assessments of specificity, sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, and reproducibility. Quality control measures are implemented throughout the workflow to ensure data integrity and reliability, supporting robust and reproducible biomarker analysis for preclinical research applications.
Our quantitative analysis capabilities enable the precise measurement of biomarker concentrations and activity levels in a variety of biological matrices. We employ validated quantitative protocols to generate high-quality data that support the evaluation of disease mechanisms, therapeutic efficacy, and biomarker dynamics in osteoarthritis models.
Sample Analysis: Protheragen handles a broad range of sample types, including serum, plasma, synovial fluid, tissue biopsies, and cell culture supernatants. Our analysis protocols are designed to maximize analyte stability and recovery, incorporating stringent quality measures such as standardized sample processing, controlled storage conditions, and the use of appropriate controls and calibrators.
High Throughput Capabilities: We offer high-throughput analytical platforms capable of multiplexed biomarker detection, enabling the simultaneous analysis of multiple targets from limited sample volumes. These capabilities enhance efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and conserve valuable preclinical samples, supporting comprehensive biomarker profiling in osteoarthritis research.
| Gene Target | Biological Function | Application as a Biomarker |
|---|---|---|
| C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) | C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8), also known as interleukin-8 (IL-8), is a chemokine produced by various cell types, including macrophages, epithelial cells, and endothelial cells. It primarily functions as a chemoattractant for neutrophils, guiding their migration to sites of infection or tissue injury. CXCL8 exerts its effects by binding to the CXCR1 and CXCR2 receptors on target cells, leading to activation of intracellular signaling pathways that promote chemotaxis, degranulation, and respiratory burst in neutrophils. In addition to its role in innate immunity, CXCL8 is involved in promoting angiogenesis and modulating the inflammatory response. | CXCL8 has been utilized as a biomarker in a variety of clinical and research settings. Elevated levels of CXCL8 in biological fluids such as serum, plasma, or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid have been associated with inflammatory and infectious diseases, including sepsis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Additionally, increased CXCL8 expression has been observed in several cancer types, where it may correlate with disease progression or prognosis. Measurement of CXCL8 can therefore provide information about the presence and intensity of inflammatory processes or tumor-associated inflammation. |
| collagen type II alpha 1 chain (COL2A1) | The collagen type II alpha 1 chain (COL2A1) gene encodes the alpha-1 chain of type II collagen, a fibrillar collagen predominantly found in cartilage. Type II collagen is a major structural component of the extracellular matrix in hyaline cartilage, providing tensile strength and structural integrity to cartilage tissue. It plays a crucial role in the development, maintenance, and function of articular cartilage, intervertebral discs, and the vitreous body of the eye. Mutations in COL2A1 can result in various chondrodysplasias and skeletal disorders, highlighting its essential role in cartilage formation and skeletal development. | COL2A1 and its protein product, type II collagen, have been studied as biomarkers for cartilage metabolism and turnover. Alterations in the expression or degradation products of type II collagen are measured in biological fluids to assess cartilage degradation, particularly in joint diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The detection of specific fragments or neoepitopes of type II collagen can provide information about cartilage breakdown and disease progression. Additionally, COL2A1 mutations are used in the molecular diagnosis of certain hereditary skeletal disorders, including various forms of chondrodysplasia. |
| interleukin 1 alpha (IL1A) | Interleukin 1 alpha (IL1A) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a central role in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. It is produced by a variety of cell types, including monocytes, macrophages, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts, primarily in response to infection, injury, or immunological stimuli. IL1A functions as an early mediator of inflammation by inducing the expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial cells, promoting leukocyte recruitment, and stimulating the production of other cytokines and chemokines. It also contributes to the activation of lymphocytes and the modulation of cellular responses involved in tissue repair and apoptosis. IL1A exerts its effects by binding to the interleukin-1 receptor type I (IL-1RI), initiating downstream signaling cascades that result in the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). | IL1A has been investigated as a biomarker in the context of inflammatory, autoimmune, and infectious diseases. Elevated levels of IL1A in biological fluids, such as serum, plasma, or tissue samples, have been associated with conditions characterized by acute or chronic inflammation, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and certain cancers. Measurement of IL1A may aid in assessing the presence or degree of inflammatory activity, monitoring disease progression, or evaluating responses to anti-inflammatory therapies in research and clinical settings. |
| interleukin 1 beta (IL1B) | Interleukin 1 beta (IL1B) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced primarily by activated macrophages, as well as other cell types including monocytes, dendritic cells, and epithelial cells. IL1B is synthesized as an inactive precursor (pro-IL1B) that is cleaved by caspase-1 into its active form. It plays a central role in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses, mediating a variety of cellular activities such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. IL1B is involved in the induction of fever, the expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial cells, and the activation of lymphocytes. It also stimulates the production of other cytokines and chemokines, thereby amplifying inflammatory signaling cascades. | IL1B has been utilized as a biomarker to assess inflammation and immune activation in various clinical and research contexts. Elevated IL1B levels in biological fluids, such as serum, plasma, or cerebrospinal fluid, have been observed in association with inflammatory and infectious diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, sepsis, and certain autoinflammatory syndromes. Measurement of IL1B can provide information about the presence and intensity of inflammatory responses and has been used in studies investigating disease mechanisms, prognosis, and responses to anti-inflammatory therapies. |
| interleukin 10 (IL10) | Interleukin 10 (IL10) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine produced by a variety of immune cells, including T cells, B cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and certain subsets of regulatory T cells. IL10 primarily functions to limit and terminate inflammatory responses by inhibiting the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-3, TNF-α, and GM-CSF produced by activated macrophages and helper T cells. It also suppresses antigen presentation by downregulating the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and co-stimulatory molecules on antigen-presenting cells. Through these mechanisms, IL10 plays a key role in maintaining immune homeostasis, preventing tissue damage during immune responses, and promoting the resolution of inflammation. | IL10 is utilized as a biomarker to assess immune regulation and anti-inflammatory activity in various clinical and research contexts. Elevated IL10 levels in biological fluids such as serum, plasma, or cerebrospinal fluid have been associated with infectious diseases, autoimmune conditions, and certain cancers, reflecting the host's attempt to counteract excessive inflammation or immune activation. Measurement of IL10 concentrations can provide information about disease activity, immune response status, and the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory signals in conditions such as sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and viral infections. |
| interleukin 6 (IL6) | Interleukin 6 (IL6) is a multifunctional cytokine produced by various cell types, including T cells, B cells, macrophages, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. It plays a central role in the regulation of immune responses, inflammation, hematopoiesis, and the acute phase response. IL6 acts by binding to its receptor complex, which activates downstream signaling pathways such as JAK/STAT, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt. Its biological effects include stimulation of B cell differentiation, promotion of T cell proliferation, induction of hepatic acute phase protein synthesis, and modulation of metabolic, regenerative, and neural processes. IL6 is tightly regulated under physiological conditions, but dysregulation can contribute to chronic inflammation and various disease states. | IL6 is measured in biological fluids, such as serum or plasma, as an indicator of inflammation and immune activation. Elevated IL6 levels have been associated with inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, and certain malignancies. Clinically, IL6 concentrations are used to support the assessment of disease activity, monitor therapeutic response, and provide prognostic information in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, sepsis, COVID-19, and some cancers. Its utility as a biomarker is based on its established role in mediating and reflecting systemic inflammatory processes. |
| matrix metallopeptidase 13 (MMP13) | Matrix metallopeptidase 13 (MMP13), also known as collagenase-3, is a member of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases. MMP13 is primarily involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix components, with a strong substrate preference for type II collagen, but it can also cleave type I and III collagens and other matrix proteins. MMP13 plays a critical role in normal physiological processes such as embryonic development, bone remodeling, and tissue repair by facilitating extracellular matrix turnover. Its expression is tightly regulated under normal conditions and is typically low in most adult tissues. | MMP13 has been investigated as a biomarker in several pathological conditions characterized by increased extracellular matrix remodeling. Elevated levels of MMP13 have been observed in diseases such as osteoarthritis, where it contributes to cartilage degradation, and in certain cancers, where it is associated with tumor invasion and metastasis. Measurement of MMP13 expression or activity in biological samples, such as synovial fluid or tissue biopsies, has been explored for its potential to reflect disease presence, progression, or response to therapy in these contexts. |
| matrix metallopeptidase 3 (MMP3) | Matrix metallopeptidase 3 (MMP3), also known as stromelysin-1, is a member of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family. MMP3 is a zinc-dependent endopeptidase that degrades components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), including fibronectin, laminin, collagens (types III, IV, IX, and X), and proteoglycans. In addition to its direct proteolytic activity, MMP3 can activate other MMPs, thereby amplifying matrix remodeling processes. MMP3 is involved in normal physiological processes such as tissue remodeling, wound healing, and embryonic development. It is also regulated by cytokines, growth factors, and mechanical stress, and its expression is tightly controlled to maintain tissue homeostasis. | MMP3 has been investigated as a biomarker in various pathological conditions characterized by extracellular matrix remodeling and inflammation. Elevated levels of MMP3 in serum, synovial fluid, or tissue samples have been associated with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and certain cancers. In these contexts, MMP3 measurements have been used in research settings to assess disease activity, monitor progression, and evaluate response to therapy. Its application as a biomarker is based on its involvement in tissue degradation and inflammation. |
| transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1) | Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1) is a multifunctional cytokine that belongs to the TGF-beta superfamily. It plays a central role in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis in various cell types. TGFB1 is involved in the control of immune responses, maintenance of tissue homeostasis, and modulation of extracellular matrix production. It exerts its effects primarily through binding to TGF-beta receptors, which activate intracellular SMAD signaling pathways. TGFB1 is also implicated in the regulation of inflammation, wound healing, and fibrosis by promoting the synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins and inhibiting the activity of matrix-degrading enzymes. | TGFB1 has been studied as a biomarker in several pathological conditions, including fibrotic diseases, cancer, and inflammatory disorders. Elevated levels of TGFB1 in tissue, serum, or plasma have been associated with disease progression and severity in conditions such as liver fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and certain malignancies. Its expression has also been measured to assess the extent of tissue remodeling and immune activation in various diseases. The quantification of TGFB1 can provide information relevant to disease status, prognosis, and response to therapy in research and clinical settings. |
| tumor necrosis factor (TNF) | Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine primarily produced by activated macrophages, as well as by other immune and non-immune cells. TNF plays a central role in the regulation of immune responses, inflammation, apoptosis, and cell proliferation. It acts through binding to its receptors, TNFR1 and TNFR2, initiating signaling cascades that can lead to the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and caspases. These pathways contribute to the modulation of immune cell activity, induction of fever, promotion of leukocyte recruitment, and mediation of programmed cell death. TNF is involved in host defense mechanisms against infections and tumor cells, but excessive or dysregulated TNF production is associated with the pathogenesis of various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. | TNF is measured as a biomarker in clinical and research settings to assess the presence and extent of inflammation. Elevated levels of TNF in blood, tissue, or other biological fluids have been associated with inflammatory and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, sepsis, and certain cancers. Quantification of TNF can aid in monitoring disease activity, evaluating response to anti-TNF therapies, and investigating the pathophysiology of inflammatory disorders. |
Explore Research Opportunities with Protheragen. Our biomarker research services offer advanced capabilities for the identification, characterization, and analysis of osteoarthritis-associated biomarkers, supporting exploratory and preclinical drug discovery efforts. The biomarkers discussed herein are research targets only and are not presented as validated or mandatory for any application. Our focus remains on preclinical research, with a commitment to scientific objectivity and the advancement of osteoarthritis therapeutic development.
We invite you to engage with Protheragen for collaborative discussions on exploratory biomarker research in osteoarthritis. Our team is dedicated to scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange, supporting objective and innovative approaches in preclinical research.
Make Order
Experimental Scheme
Implementation
Conclusion
