Yingjie Wang, PhD | Chinese Academy of Medical Science; Xisheng Weng, MD; Bin Feng, MD; Jibin Song, PhD
Competition Sponsor: Chinese Academy of Medical Science
Awardee Year: 2025
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is often diagnosed in the middle to late stages, where current staging and treatment struggle to achieve early identification and precise intervention. Our team, based on the discovery of key molecules in chondrocyte phenotypic transition, focuses on dual cores of chondrocyte/synovial/ subchondral bone cell senescence and immune microenvironment imbalance. We propose a “Symptom-Imaging-Function (SIF)” staging and conduct staged “anti-inflammatory-regenerative” therapy. Innovations include precise SIF staging, functional apoptotic bodies, organoid microenvironment platforms, and animal validation. Collaborating with Peking Union Medical College Hospital and the State Key Laboratory of Beijing University of Chemical Technology, dual PIs manage the project.