How aging cells affect bone health
Project 1 - Cellular Senescence and Bone Aging
This project looks at whether removing specific aging (senescent) cells driven by p16 and p21 can help protect bones in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11301880 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use laboratory models, including genetically engineered mice that allow targeted removal of p16-driven senescent cells, together with a chemical trigger (AP20187) to clear those cells. They also map senescent cells across bone, muscle, and brain using single-cell protein and RNA methods (CyTOF and scRNA-seq) to compare cells marked by p16 versus p21. The team will study how p16 and p21 contribute to the formation and spread of senescent cells and the different inflammatory signals those cells produce. Findings aim to point to targets or approaches that could prevent age-related bone loss.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults with age-related bone loss or osteoporosis, and people willing to donate tissue or participate in future related clinical studies, are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Younger individuals or people whose bone problems are primarily due to trauma, cancer, or non-aging causes may not benefit from these approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that reduce age-related bone loss by targeting harmful senescent cells.
How similar studies have performed: Prior mouse studies have shown that clearing p16Ink4a+ senescent cells can prevent age-related bone loss, and senolytic approaches are an active, early-stage area of research with some initial human trials in other conditions.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khosla, Sundeep — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Khosla, Sundeep
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.