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Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Engineering

Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Engineering - Poster Session C & D

Y37 - Osteoarthritis-associated joint pain and joint-innervating nerve network using aged mouse

Friday, October 10, 2025

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PDT

Location: Exhibit Hall F, G & H

Presenting Author(s)

WL

Whasil Lee

Asso Prof.
University of Rochester, NY
PITTSFORD, New York, United States

Co-Author(s)

PK

Paromita Kundu

Postdoc
University of Rochester Medical Center, United States
BW

Brian Wise
Mark R. Buckley

Primary Investigator
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States

Last Author(s)

WL

Whasil Lee

Asso Prof.
University of Rochester, NY
PITTSFORD, New York, United States

Primary Investigator(s)

PK

Paromita Kundu

Postdoc
University of Rochester Medical Center, United States

Introduction: : Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative disorder causing joint pain in aging individuals. In this study, we characterized the complex architecture of nociceptive calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP⁺) nerve fibers in aged mouse knee joints using iDISCO-cleared 3D light sheet microscopy and MATLAB-based spatial analysis. We cross-compared nerve innervation with OARSI scores, Pressure Application Measurement (PAM) based mechanical pain thresholds, and CGRP and PIEZO2 expression levels in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of two experimental groups—young male (My) and aged male (Ma), the Ma group exhibits severe OA with decreased pain thresholds, elevated CGRP and PIEZO2 expression in the DRG, and extensively branched joint-innervating CGRP⁺ nociceptors. These findings highlight that peripheral nerve remodeling in and around the joint contributes to OA-associated pain and underscore the utility of 3D light sheet microscopy for studying neuroanatomical changes in aging OA.

Materials and

Methods: : Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative disorder causing joint pain in aging individuals. In this study, we characterized the complex architecture of nociceptive calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP⁺) nerve fibers in aged mouse knee joints using iDISCO-cleared 3D light sheet microscopy and MATLAB-based spatial analysis. We cross-compared nerve innervation with OARSI scores, Pressure Application Measurement (PAM) based mechanical pain thresholds, and CGRP and PIEZO2 expression levels in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of two experimental groups—young male (My) and aged male (Ma), the Ma group exhibits severe OA with decreased pain thresholds, elevated CGRP and PIEZO2 expression in the DRG, and extensively branched joint-innervating CGRP⁺ nociceptors. These findings highlight that peripheral nerve remodeling in and around the joint contributes to OA-associated pain and underscore the utility of 3D light sheet microscopy for studying neuroanatomical changes in aging OA.

Results, Conclusions, and Discussions:: Osteoarthritis is a common degenerative disorder causing joint pain in aging individuals. In this study, we characterized the complex architecture of nociceptive calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP⁺) nerve fibers in aged mouse knee joints using iDISCO-cleared 3D light sheet microscopy and MATLAB-based spatial analysis. We cross-compared nerve innervation with OARSI scores, Pressure Application Measurement (PAM) based mechanical pain thresholds, and CGRP and PIEZO2 expression levels in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of two experimental groups—young male (My) and aged male (Ma), the Ma group exhibits severe OA with decreased pain thresholds, elevated CGRP and PIEZO2 expression in the DRG, and extensively branched joint-innervating CGRP⁺ nociceptors. These findings highlight that peripheral nerve remodeling in and around the joint contributes to OA-associated pain and underscore the utility of 3D light sheet microscopy for studying neuroanatomical changes in aging OA.

Acknowledgements and/or References (Optional): :