NIH-funded research R01 grant

How a specific RNA affects bone health and repair

Official title: Regulation of bone homeostasis and remodeling by long noncoding RNA Malat1

Funded at Hospital for Special Surgery · NIH-11042217 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a special molecule called Malat1 helps keep our bones healthy by balancing the work of cells that break down bone and those that build it, which could lead to better ways to prevent bone diseases like osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHospital for Special Surgery
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, UNITED STATES)
Project startJuly 1, 2021
Project endFebruary 28, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$417,595
NIH project number5R01AR078212-04
Project IDNIH-11042217 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other bone-related disorders.

Less likely to help

Patients with acute bone injuries or those not suffering from chronic bone diseases may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of a long noncoding RNA called Malat1 in maintaining bone health and remodeling. It focuses on understanding how Malat1 influences the balance between bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts, which is crucial for preventing conditions like osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. By studying animal models, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms by which Malat1 regulates these processes, potentially leading to new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for bone diseases.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for bone disorders, improving bone health and reducing the risk of fractures in patients.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting long noncoding RNAs for therapeutic purposes, indicating potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Hospital for Special Surgery
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Zhao, Baohong — Hospital for Special Surgery
  • Study coordinator: Zhao, Baohong

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.