Chahine wins $1.8M grant

The Island Now

Dr. Nadeen Chahine of  the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research in Manhasset was recently awarded a five-year, $1.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases to explore inflammation’s role in degenerative disc diseases of the spine.
Chahine’s study, “Mechanobiology of Inflammation in Intervertebral Disc,” will observe molecule and receptor interactions to determine the triggers of degenerated intervertebral discs in the spine, according to a press release from Feinstein. 
IVD is a condition where the rubbery discs in the spine begin to shrink and lose integrity. 
The study will follow the high mobility group box one, HMGB1, molecule, a protein expressed by dying or stressed cells. 
“Dr. Chahine is an extraordinary investigator, leading innovative research and this NIH support is an important step to improve the lives of patients,” Dr. Kevin J. Tracey, president and chief executive officer of the Feinstein Institute said.
Chahine has said this protein could be a trigger for inflammation and disc degeneration. 
“Disability and pain stemming from degenerated intervertebral discs affects more than 40 percent of adults in the US and costs more than $100 billion annually,” Chahine said.  “I’m extremely grateful for NIAMS’ support to embark on this study, which brings together bioengineers, clinicians and biologists to explore a unique combination of inflammation and mechanobiology in this common condition that is understudied.”

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