Genes that help bones heal
Systems Genetics of Bone Regeneration
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · NIH-11289429
This project looks for genes that affect how bones repair to help people with slow-healing fractures and failed bone repairs.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11289429 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use a mouse model that creates a consistent bone injury by removing marrow so they can watch how bone regenerates. They compare many genetically different mice and use systems genetics and computational analyses to find gene variants linked to better or worse bone repair. Promising genes will be tested in follow-up lab experiments to understand their role in regeneration and whether they might be drug targets. The ultimate aim is to translate these findings into ways to improve healing for people with fractures, implant fixation problems, or large bone defects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with fractures that heal slowly, nonunions, or who need better bone repair after tumor removal or implant surgery are those most likely to benefit from future therapies based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients needing immediate clinical treatments, those with active bone infection or metastatic bone cancer, or people seeking an approved therapy right now are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or tests that help bones heal faster and reduce cases of failed repair.
How similar studies have performed: Related systems genetics work has identified genes linked to bone mineral density, but applying this approach specifically to bone repair is less common and more experimental.
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.