Helping bone marrow stem cells clear dying cells to protect bones as we age
Efferocytosis by Bone Marrow Stromal Cells and Bone Aging
Researchers are seeing if helping bone marrow stem cells clear dying cells can protect older adults' bones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11299470 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) eat up dying cells — a process called efferocytosis — and how that affects bone health with age. Using lab-grown cells and mouse models, scientists will boost or alter this clearing process and examine effects on bone-forming cells, mitochondria, and signs of cell aging. They will study the receptor BAI1 and test whether too much or too little efferocytosis harms MSC function and bone maintenance. The goal is to identify mechanisms that could be targeted to keep bones healthier as people get older.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults with age-related bone loss or osteoporosis would be the most likely people to benefit from therapies that might follow this work.
Not a fit: People whose bone problems come from acute injury, congenital bone disorders, or causes unrelated to aging may be less likely to benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to slow or prevent age-related bone loss by protecting stem cell health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab and mouse studies show MSCs can clear dead cells and that changing this process affects bone cells, but applying these findings to human bone aging is still novel.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Calvi, Laura M — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Calvi, Laura M
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.