Blocking JMJD3 to prevent unwanted extra bone after injury
Targeting jmjd3 mitigates heterotopic ossification
Sees whether blocking a protein called JMJD3 in immune cells can stop abnormal extra bone that sometimes forms after burns, hip replacement, or other injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249256 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at why extra bone (heterotopic ossification, HO) forms after burns, hip surgery, or musculoskeletal injuries and focuses on a protein called JMJD3 in immune cells called macrophages. Researchers use human cells and clinically relevant mouse models to show that JMJD3 drives production of TGFβ1, which pushes nearby progenitor cells to become bone. The team will test blocking the IFNβ → JAK/STAT pathway or repressing JMJD3 specifically in macrophages using a targeted nanotherapy to stop HO formation. If the lab and animal results are promising, this approach could move toward treatments aimed at preventing HO in patients at risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People recovering from burns, hip arthroplasty, or significant musculoskeletal injury who are at high risk for heterotopic ossification would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without an inflammatory injury-related risk for HO or those with long-standing, fully mature heterotopic bone are unlikely to benefit from these preventive approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that prevent or reduce painful and disabling extra bone formation after burns, joint surgery, or traumatic injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked immune cells and TGFβ to HO, but targeting JMJD3 in macrophages with a macrophage-directed nanotherapy is a relatively new, mainly preclinical approach.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gallagher, Katherine Ann — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Gallagher, Katherine Ann
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 below.