Genes that affect bone strength and osteoporosis risk
Large-Scale Genetic Analysis of Bone Strength in Diversity Outbred Mice
Researchers are using genetically diverse mice to find genes that influence bone strength to help people with osteoporosis or low bone density.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285385 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project measures bone strength and related traits in thousands of genetically diverse mice to discover genes that control bone quality. The team will connect those mouse genetic findings to large human bone-density datasets and prioritize genes that also matter in people. Promising genes will be tested further in lab and animal experiments to confirm their role and point toward possible treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The results are most relevant to people with osteoporosis or low bone mineral density who might benefit from improved genetic-based diagnostics or future therapies.
Not a fit: People whose bone problems come primarily from non-genetic causes, like acute injury or certain medications, may not see direct benefit from these genetic findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new targets for tests or treatments that better prevent or treat osteoporosis.
How similar studies have performed: Large human GWAS have already found many bone-density genes and smaller mouse studies have identified useful targets, but this very large mouse mapping effort is a novel expansion of that work.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farber, Charles R — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Farber, Charles R
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.