Musculoskeletal Microbiome Network: Building Canada’s Hub for Microbiome and MSK Innovation
Project Summary: The trillions of microbes in our gut, known as the microbiome, play a powerful role in shaping human health, including how our immune system functions and how we experience pain. Growing evidence suggests that the microbiome may be a key player in arthritis and other musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, but this link remains poorly understood. This team aims to change that.
These researchers are launching the Musculoskeletal Microbiome Network (MMN), a new research platform based at Western’s Bone and Joint Institute, to explore how the microbiome affects arthritis and MSK health. This initiative will bring together scientists, doctors, patients, and industry partners to share knowledge, build research tools, and spark new treatments. Their work will include collecting microbiome samples from people across Canada living with arthritis, building a biobank to support future studies, and developing educational tools with patient partners. They will also host a national symposium to align priorities and attract new collaborators and funding.
By better understanding the microbiome’s role in arthritis, this project will lay the foundation for new ways to predict, prevent, and treat MSK disease, offering hope for the millions of Canadians living with these chronic conditions.
Project Duration: October 2025 – September 2027 Amount: $50,000
Team Leads: Lillian Barra (Rheumatology) & Kait Al (Microbiology & Immunology)
Team Members: Jeremy Burton (Surgery), Matt Teeter (Medical Biophysics), Cathie Hofstetter (Patient Partner), Corrie Billedeau (Patient Partner), Colleen O’Connor (Food & Nutritional Sciences)
Future Milestones
- Develop patient education materials and website
- Microbiome sampling embedded into local RA cohort
- Formalize partnership with Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort
- Obtain industry partner funding
- Host a multi-stakeholder symposium
- Apply for CIHR Project Grant – Fall 2026
