Helping children's bones grow and heal
Regulation of Skeletal Growth and Regeneration
Researchers are testing ways to help children's growth plates work better so bones grow properly and heal after injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252544 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at how the growth plates — the special zones at the ends of children's bones — control normal bone growth and the bone-healing process. Scientists will study the cells, signals (like hedgehog and FGF), and key genes (such as Runx2 and Mef2c) that control how growth plate cells divide, mature, and turn into bone. They will examine what goes wrong after injuries, genetic conditions (for example Crouzon or achondroplasia), or certain drug treatments that can slow or damage growth plates. The goal is to identify targets and approaches that might protect or restore growth plate function and improve outcomes for children with growth problems or fractures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children and adolescents with growth-plate injuries, congenital growth disorders (like achondroplasia or cranial-base problems such as Crouzon), or slowed growth after certain treatments would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Adults whose growth plates have already closed and people with bone problems not related to growth plates are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new ways to prevent or repair growth plate damage so children grow more normally and recover from bone injuries with fewer surgeries.
How similar studies have performed: Past laboratory studies have mapped many of the same signaling pathways and shown benefits in animal or cell models, but effective treatments that change growth plate behavior in children remain limited.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Children's Hosp of Philadelphia — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pacifici, Maurizio — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Pacifici, Maurizio
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.