Carmen Huesa

Dr. Carmen Huesa is a Versus Arthritis Career Development Fellow at the University of Glasgow, specializing in Immunology & Infection. Her research bridges bone biology, cartilage pathology, and osteoarthritis (OA) mechanisms, with a focus on bone-cartilage communication, mechanotransduction, and sex-based differences in OA pain. She has held positions at the Roslin Institute and University of Edinburgh, and currently leads studies on OA progression.

• Education:
  • BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry, University of Aberdeen (1997-2002) with industrial placement at Novartis, Basel
  • PhD in Osteoblast Mechanotransduction, University of Aberdeen (2009)

Research Interests:
Dr. Huesa investigates how bone signaling influences late-stage OA development, particularly via cartilage-bone molecular interactions and mechanical stimulation effects. Her work explores:

• Novel OA therapies targeting bone-cartilage crosstalk
• Sex hormone roles (e.g., estrogen) in postmenopausal OA
• Biomechanical interventions (e.g., nanovibrations post-spinal injury)
• Metabolic bone-vascular connections via PHOSPHO1 and NPP1 pathways

Publication Trends:
Her 2013-2024 work spans murine OA models, protease-activated receptor signaling, and metabolic bone regulation, with recent emphasis on exercise interventions and microbiome-OA links.

Awards:

• Versus Arthritis Career Development Fellowship (2022-2027)
• Versus Arthritis Early Career Fellowship (tenure unspecified)

Grants & Public Engagement:
Currently funded by Versus Arthritis for bone-osteoarthritis communication studies. Previously received Tenovus Scotland support (2021). Engages in public outreach like the ARCadia Festival and developed educational videos on bone properties.