Dr. Jason Rockel

Dr. Jason Rockel, PhD
Scientific Associate

Education:

Postdoctoral Fellowship- Sick Kids (2009-2015)

PhD- University of Western Ontario, Canada (2003-2009)

Keywords:

Osteoarthritis, metabolism, biomarkers, cell signaling, mesenchymal stromal cells, animal model of osteoarthritis

 

Research Interests

During my PhD, I investigated inflammatory signaling mechanisms regulating gene expression in cartilage cells.  Following this, I garnered expertise in transgenic and surgical mouse models of osteoarthritis to determine molecular signals important during joint development that could be exploited to alter the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. My current research focuses on identification of novel biomarkers and therapies for OA. In particular, I am investigating:

  • The relationship between molecular signals in the local joint environment and changes to the systemic metabolome, including their contribution to  the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis
     
  • Novel biomarkers of osteoarthritis disease state, pain or prognosis related to patient characteristics including age, sex, BMI and ethnicity. 
     
  • The use of small molecule, biologics and cell therapies for treatment of osteoarthritis
     

Recent Accomplishments

Awards

Japan College of Rheumatology International Workshop Travel Award (2020)

Japan College of Rheumatology International Workshop Travel Award (2018)

Japan College of Rheumatology International Workshop Travel Award (2017)

Japan College of Rheumatology International Workshop Travel Award (2016)

Presentations

2019 Canadian Connective Tissue Conference: Poster Presentation

2019 Japan College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting: Oral Presentation

2019 Japan College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting: Poster Presentation

2019 Joint Biology session at OARSI World Congress on Osteoarthritis: Oral Presentation

2018 Arthritis Program Research Rounds: Oral Presentation

2018 Canadian Connective Tissue Conference: Poster Presentation

2018 Japan College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting: Oral Presentation.

2017 Academic Advisory Board Meeting, Arthritis Program: Oral Presentation

2017 Japan College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting: Oral Presentation.

2017 OARSI World Congress on Osteoarthritis: Oral Presentation.

2017 Workshop on Early Osteoarthritis: Early Detection & Intervention: Oral Presentation

2016 Japan College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting: Oral Presentation

2016 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting: Poster Presentation

2016 Arthritis Industry Forum: Oral Presentation

2016 Arthritis Program Basic Science & Clinical Research Program: Oral Presentation

2016 Krembil Discovery Research Institute Research Day: Poster Presentation

2016 Musculoskeletal Research Day: Poster Presentation

Co-supervised by Dr. Armand Keating