This DARPA YFA grant supports research into the link between the gut microbiome and glycosaminoglycans in the synovial joint. This metabolite-glycosaminoglycan interaction is hypothesized to be one of several linkages in the “gut-joint axis” that Dr. Chan's group and her collaborators will pursue in the coming years. Better understanding of these gut-joint interactions will help prevent and treat musculoskeletal injury in military personnel and civilians.