How cells change when broken bones heal
Cell Transitions during Bone Fracture Healing
Researchers are looking at how different cell types switch roles to rebuild bone after a fracture, which could help adults with broken bones heal better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170703 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies how the cells around a fracture change identity and become the new bone-building cells that repair breaks. The team will examine how the mechanical environment (for example, whether the fracture is stable or unstable) steers periosteal cells toward bone or cartilage paths. They will also follow how cartilage cells later convert into bone during the normal healing process. Experiments will use lab models and analysis of tissue samples to reflect processes relevant to human fractures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with recent bone fractures or people able to donate fracture-related tissue samples would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People without bone injuries or young children (pediatric cases) are unlikely to be directly helped by this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to speed or improve fracture healing and reduce delayed unions or nonunions.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have shown that mature cells can revert to stem-like states and change fate, but applying these findings to improve human fracture healing is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marcucio, Ralph S — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Marcucio, Ralph S
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.