How estrogen affects bone-resorbing cells in osteoporosis
Official title: Antagonism of RANKL signaling by estrogen in osteoclasts
Funded at Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis · NIH-11059946 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how estrogen affects bone cells that break down bone, especially in women after menopause who may face osteoporosis, to find new ways to help prevent bone loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project start | March 22, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $409,714 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR082418-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059946 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are postmenopausal women who are at risk for or currently experiencing osteoporosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not postmenopausal or those with osteoporosis due to causes unrelated to estrogen deficiency may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how estrogen influences osteoclasts, the cells responsible for bone resorption, particularly in the context of osteoporosis that often occurs after menopause. The study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms by which estrogen inhibits the activity and number of osteoclasts, focusing on the role of RANKL signaling and mitochondrial function. By understanding these processes, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets for preventing bone loss in postmenopausal women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help prevent osteoporosis and improve bone health in postmenopausal women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting estrogen pathways can be effective in managing osteoporosis, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
Little Rock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Almeida, Maria Jose — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Almeida, Maria Jose
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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.