We are building a collaborative network aimed at advancing research in synovial tissue-based studies. This initiative, named TRICIA, brings together various clinical centres across the UK equipped to conduct synovial tissue biopsies. We are partnering with leading academic institutions specialising in advanced tissue analytics, closely linked to clinical outcomes.
Network News and Updates

New Video Highlights Young Person’s Experience with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Research
At the end of last year the MAPJAG research team collaborated with Amy, a young person living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), to create

Nature Publication success for Chrissy Bolton
Congratulations to Chrissy Bolton, MRC PhD Fellow in Prof Adam’s Croft’s Team, who has had her paper titled: “All fibroblasts are equal, but some are more

Professor Adam Croft inaugural lecture: Restoring order to the joint: fibroblasts as cellular checkpoints of inflammation
On March 6th, 2024, Professor Adam Croft delivered his inaugural lecture, ‘Restoring order to the joint: fibroblasts as cellular checkpoints of inflammation’. As the

Dr Chrissy Bolton – Runner-up in the GOSH Image Competition
Dr Chrissy Bolton, MRC Clinical Research Training Fellow and a member of the TRICIA team, recently participated in an image competition and achieved recognition
Our objective is to integrate synovial tissue analytics into both multi-centre clinical trials and routine clinical practice. By doing so, we aim to maximise the benefits of ongoing precision medicine efforts, particularly in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Securing funding for synovial tissue research is crucial for us to achieve our long-term goals.
We plan to enhance the capabilities of paediatric rheumatology in the UK by establishing synovial biopsy programmes at new centres. This involves providing training in minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided biopsy techniques tailored for children and young individuals. Additionally, we will gather data on the acceptability, tolerability, and safety of paediatric synovial tissue biopsies.
Standardisation is key to our approach. We aim to establish standardised methods for capturing both clinical and biological data. Furthermore, we are setting up a dedicated tissue analysis pipeline with uniform procedures for synovial tissue collection, processing, and analysis.
To facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing, we will deposit and present our clinical and experimental data in a unified platform. This platform will include web-based tools for knowledge management, supporting tasks such as data mining, analysis, and hypothesis generation. Through these efforts, we aim to advance our understanding of JIA and improve outcomes for affected individuals.