How aging weakens bone-forming stem cells
Dissecting the aging skeletal stem cell niche
This project will see if lowering chronic inflammation and boosting anti-inflammatory signals can restore bone-forming stem cells and improve bone repair in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323036 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study why skeletal stem and progenitor cells (SSPCs) lose function with age, focusing on the role of chronic, low-grade inflammation. They will map the molecular signals that promote or resolve inflammation in the SSPC niche using laboratory and model systems relevant to human bone. The team will test whether blocking key pro-inflammatory pathways or enhancing anti-inflammatory factors restores SSPC numbers and osteogenic function and improves fracture healing. Promising molecular targets will be advanced as potential approaches to improve bone health and repair in the elderly.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults with age-related bone loss, poor fracture healing, or a history of fragility fractures would be the most relevant future candidates.
Not a fit: Younger people without age-related bone decline or patients whose bone problems have non-inflammatory causes may not benefit from these approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to therapies that improve bone repair, reduce fractures, and restore bone strength in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work suggests reducing chronic inflammation can improve bone stem cell function, but translating these findings into human treatments is still at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leucht, Philipp — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Leucht, Philipp
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.