How bone-resorbing cells use nutrients to cause bone loss
Metabolic regulation of osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption
['FUNDING_R01'] · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11267971
The team will test whether blocking a key enzyme that processes the amino acid glutamine can slow bone loss caused by overactive bone-resorbing cells, potentially helping people with osteoporosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DALLAS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11267971 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The researchers are studying how osteoclasts (the cells that break down bone) rely on glutamine to grow and resorb bone. They will use genetic tools and the drug telaglenastat to block the enzyme glutaminase (GLS) in cells and in mice, including an ovariectomy mouse model that mimics postmenopausal osteoporosis. The team will also examine the role of the enzyme GOT2 and glutamine-derived purine synthesis in osteoclast metabolism and differentiation. If blocking these pathways reduces bone resorption in animals, it could point toward new treatments to slow bone loss in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The most likely future trial participants would be people with osteoporosis, for example postmenopausal women or others with high rates of bone resorption.
Not a fit: People whose bone problems stem from low bone formation, mineral defects, childhood bone disorders, or who cannot take metabolism-targeting drugs may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal a new way to slow or prevent bone loss in osteoporosis by targeting glutamine metabolism.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies show blocking glutamine metabolism can limit osteoclast formation and GLS inhibitors have been tested in cancer, but applying GLS inhibition to prevent bone loss in animals or humans is a novel application.
Where this research is happening
DALLAS, UNITED STATES
- UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER — DALLAS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KARNER, COURTNEY MICHAEL — UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: KARNER, COURTNEY MICHAEL
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.