How Fringe enzymes control bone-resorbing cells
Official title: Fringe regulation of Notch signaling in osteoclasts
Funded at Eastern Washington University · NIH-11142978 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how Fringe enzymes change signaling in bone-resorbing cells, which could matter for people with bone loss, osteoporosis, or bone metastases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Eastern Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cheney, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $120,204 |
| NIH project number | 5R16DE034585-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11142978 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with excessive bone breakdown—such as those with osteoporosis, inflammatory bone loss, or bone metastases—are the kinds of patients who might ultimately benefit from findings of this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without disorders of bone resorption or those seeking immediate treatment options are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
What this research studies
Scientists will manipulate levels of Fringe enzymes in osteoclasts (the cells that break down bone) in laboratory experiments to see how those changes affect cell behavior. They will increase and decrease specific Fringes and then measure activation of Notch1 and Notch2, osteoclast formation, and bone-resorbing activity. The team will also map how Fringe enzymes add sugar groups to Notch receptors and link different signaling strengths to pro- or anti-osteoclast effects. All work is lab-based and focused on cellular and molecular mechanisms rather than testing therapies in people.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new molecular targets for preventing harmful bone loss or slowing bone metastases.
How similar studies have gone: Prior preclinical work shows Notch signaling affects osteoclasts, but targeting Fringe-mediated glycosylation is relatively novel and remains at the lab stage.
Where this research is happening
-
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ashley, Jason Waid — Eastern Washington University
- Study coordinator: Ashley, Jason Waid
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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.