AI-enabled bone aging and frailty markers in osteoporosis using advanced imaging
Official title: Mechanistic association of epigenetic bone age and frailty measures with bone imaging studies using novel artificial intelligence approaches - Research Continuity and Retention Supplement
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11530274 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A clinician-scientist is using artificial intelligence with CT scans and epigenetics to better understand early bone aging and osteoporosis in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $75,600 |
| NIH project number | 3K08AG088493-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11530274 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with abdominal imaging data and available bone or blood samples for epigenetic analysis, drawn from diverse biobanks.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without access to the imaging or biological samples, or without risk factors for osteoporosis, may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This grant funds a five-year project that combines AI-enhanced CT imaging with molecular epigenetics to identify early indicators of osteoporosis. The work leverages opportunistic CT scans from abdominal imaging and links imaging data with epigenetic profiles to find patterns tied to bone aging and frailty. Patients’ imaging and genetic data from large biobanks will be analyzed to discover epigenetic determinants that precede radiographic osteoporosis. The research aims to enable earlier detection and personalized risk profiling for people at risk of bone loss and fractures. Results could lead to improved screening strategies and targeted interventions for osteoporosis prevention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could enable earlier detection of osteoporosis and more personalized prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows promise linking imaging features with epigenetic data, but this approach is innovative in combining AI-driven imaging with epigenetic profiling at scale.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Schaik, Katherine Douglas — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Van Schaik, Katherine Douglas
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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.