ACVR1 signaling in pain and bone formation linked to nerve cells
Official title: ACVR1 sensory neuron-specific signaling in neuropathic pain and injury-induced heterotopic ossification
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11378156 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly look at a study exploring how ACVR1-related signals in nerve cells may drive pain and abnormal bone growth after injury or surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $428,240 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR081964-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378156 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with or at risk for heterotopic ossification or related pain conditions may benefit from future translational work stemming from this research.
✕Less likely to help
The study is focused on mechanistic understanding; individual patients not fitting the target condition may not receive direct benefit.
What this research studies
This research focuses on how a specific nerve-cell signaling pathway (ACVR1/ALK2) in sensory neurons might contribute to pain and heterotopic ossification after injury. By using patient-derived nerve cells and injury models, the study aims to uncover how nerve signals interact with bone-forming processes. The goal is to identify targets that could reduce pain and prevent unwanted bone growth in people recovering from orthopedic injuries or surgeries. If successful, these findings could guide new treatments to calm nerve activity and improve healing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new therapies that lessen pain and prevent abnormal bone growth after injury or surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work with human-derived nociceptors has shown promise in linking nerve signals to pain and bone biology, supporting potential relevance of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yu, Xiaobing — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Yu, Xiaobing
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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.