How disrupting sensory nerve signals affects tibial bone density
Official title: The Impact of Disrupting Sensory Innervation on Tibial Bone Mass
Funded at University of New England · NIH-11377452 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant studies how cutting signals from sensory nerves near the shin bone may change bone mass to help prevent fractures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New England NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Biddeford, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $177,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM150784-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377452 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with low tibial bone density or those at high risk for tibial fractures, though the study currently involves preclinical models rather than live patient participation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without tibial bone density concerns may not directly benefit from this basic science investigation.
What this research studies
The project looks at how sensory nerves interact with bone cells to influence bone formation and resorption in the tibia. Researchers will explore what happens when sensory innervation to the tibia is disrupted, using animal or biological models to understand bone health. The goal is to identify factors that put people at risk and to inform strategies for maintaining tibial bone density and reducing fracture risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new ways to prevent shin bone fractures by preserving or modulating nerve-bone signaling.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests nerve signals influence bone remodeling, but long-term disruption effects remain to be clarified; this study builds on that foundation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New England
Biddeford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Becker, Kathleen a — University of New England
- Study coordinator: Becker, Kathleen a
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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.