A new approach to healing NF1-related tibia fractures in children
Official title: Rescuing the molecular and cellular response to BMP in NF1 pseudarthrosis
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11636092 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant aims to understand why some NF1-related leg fractures in kids don’t heal well and to develop better treatments to help them recover without complications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $324,581 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AR087566-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11636092 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children with NF1 who experience tibia fractures or are at risk for pseudarthrosis may be eligible, particularly those with prior healing difficulties or BMP2 exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without NF1-related fractures or those not facing healing complications may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
Neurofibromatosis type 1 can cause tibia fractures that heal badly, sometimes leading to surgery and even amputation. Researchers will study how the NF1 mutation and MAPK signaling affect bone healing and how BMP2-based treatments interact with these pathways. They plan to explore new mechanisms, including how BMP signaling is altered by NF1 and the role of BMP antagonists like GREM1, to identify targets for improved healing. The work combines analysis of human samples and animal models to translate findings into better therapies for affected children. The overall goal is to reduce re-fracture risk and improve long-term outcomes for NF1 patients with leg fractures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to safer, more effective treatments that reduce re-fracture rates and the need for amputation in NF1-associated fractures.
How similar studies have gone: Prior findings suggest BMP2 can worsen fracture outcomes in NF1, indicating the need for alternative approaches; this line of work seeks to translate mechanistic insights into new therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rios, Jonathan — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Rios, Jonathan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.