Dr. Christopher Ritchlin's research will address how DC-STAMP promotes OC genesis and inflammation, analyze if 1A2 inhibits synovitis and damage; and investigate if DC-STAMP is an early response biomarker in PsA. Results from these studies will provide insights into key mechanisms that underlie inflammatory arthritis and bone damage in the psoriatic joint and will catalyze biomarker discovery. Importantly, it is expected that the results will reveal therapeutic targets in the DC-STAMP signaling pathway with potential to impede pathologic bone degradation in PsA, osteoporosis and other inflammatory bone and joint disorders.