CircBioCare: Circulating epigenetic and protein biomarkers for early OA diagnosis in primary care and patient stratification.

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects hundreds of millions of patients, and its incidence will increase due to our aging population. Considering this, the urge for early diagnosis has never been stronger. In this project we will develop state-of-the-art methods to detect blood proteins and genetic material associated with the onset of OA in people who are followed over a long period of time until they develop OA. Artificial intelligence, digital PCR and Proximity extension assay will be employed to design predictive tests. Finally, we will investigate what determines the perception of people towards healthcare screening, thereby decreasing the risk of developing OA.