# Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Human Gingiva (GMSC) Inhibit Bone Erosion in Autoimmune Arthritis

> **NIH NIH R33** · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $390,000

## Abstract

Abstract
Current state-of-the-art treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not curative and is associated with
considerable toxicity. Bone erosion and cartilage damage are the most severe complications of RA and the
major reasons for pain and disability in this disease. They are also key targets that are resistant to current
therapies. Substantial evidence now exists that mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have regeneration ability and
immunomodulatory functions that could contribute to treatment of autoimmune diseases. Nonetheless, it is
unknown whether MSC, particularly those derived from gingival tissues (GMSC) can directly affect bone and
cartilage protection. Based on our preliminary observations, we make a bold hypothesis that GMSC can
directly inhibit the formation of osteoclasts and activities of inflamed synovial tissues and through these
mechanisms can prevent bone erosion and cartilage damage in rheumatoid arthritis. The study will include two
phases (R61 and R33) with three specific aims. For the R61 phase, specific aim 1 and 2 will test the
hypothesis that GMSC suppress osteoclast differentiation and activities, as well as activation and function of
inflamed synovial tissues in the in vitro and in vivo with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model and in the R33
phase (Specific aim 3) a further validation will be conducted using a humanized model. When successfully
completed, this project will help us understand the characteristics of GMSC in protecting bone erosion and
cartilage damage in autoimmune arthritis and may lead to a potential therapeutic strategy for RA and
other human autoimmune diseases.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10089513
- **Project number:** 4R33AR073049-04
- **Recipient organization:** OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** WAEL N JARJOUR
- **Activity code:** R33 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $390,000
- **Award type:** 4N
- **Project period:** 2020-03-01 → 2023-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10089513

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10089513, Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Human Gingiva (GMSC) Inhibit Bone Erosion in Autoimmune Arthritis (4R33AR073049-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10089513. Licensed CC0.

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