How bone-resorbing cells fuse and signal during bone remodeling
Resolving the mechanism of osteoclast multinucleation and signaling in bone remodeling
This work looks at how bone-resorbing cells (osteoclasts) join and communicate to find new ways to prevent bone loss for people with conditions like Albers-Schonberg disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180272 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will focus on a protein called La that appears on the surface of osteoclasts and helps them fuse into larger, bone-resorbing cells, studying this process using cell-based lab tests and an ex vivo bone model. They will run a semi-automated peptide screen to pinpoint the part of La that drives membrane fusion and test molecules that block La at the cell surface. The team will also examine how overactive osteoclasts change signals to bone-building cells (osteoblasts) to worsen bone disease. These experiments are laboratory- and tissue-model based rather than a drug trial in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with osteoclast-driven bone loss disorders, such as certain forms of osteoporosis or bone diseases linked to excessive osteoclast activity (including conditions related to Albers-Schonberg disease), would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose bone problems are caused by low bone resorption or by non-osteoclast mechanisms, or those needing immediate clinical treatment, are unlikely to benefit directly from these laboratory-focused experiments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets to stop excessive bone breakdown and lead to therapies that preserve bone strength in people with osteoclast-driven bone diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary lab data from the investigators show that targeting the La protein can reduce osteoclast fusion in models, but applying this approach toward patient therapies is still novel and untested clinically.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whitlock, Jarred Marcus — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Whitlock, Jarred Marcus
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.