NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

How citrate affects bone health and mineralization

Official title: Mechanisms and Impact of Osteoblast "Citration" on Skeletal Mineralization and Global Citrate Homeostasis

Funded at Washington University · NIH-11049233 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how citrate, a substance that helps keep bones healthy, gets to your bones and how it affects their strength, with the hope that the findings could lead to better treatments for bone-related conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project startFebruary 1, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$248,299
NIH project number4R00AR079558-03
Project IDNIH-11049233 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions affecting bone health, such as osteoporosis or other metabolic bone disorders.

Less likely to help

Patients with no bone health issues or those not affected by citrate metabolism may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of citrate in bone health, focusing on how citrate is delivered to bones and its impact on bone mineralization. The study examines the mechanisms by which citrate is incorporated into bone and how this affects overall citrate balance in the body. By using advanced techniques, the researchers aim to understand the relationship between citrate transport and bone quality, which could lead to new insights into bone diseases. Patients may benefit from findings that could improve treatments for conditions related to bone health.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for bone diseases by enhancing our understanding of bone mineralization processes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of citrate in bone health, suggesting that this research builds on established findings.

Where this research is happening

  • Washington University
    Saint Louis, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Dirckx, Naomi — Washington University
  • Study coordinator: Dirckx, Naomi

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.