How genes, gene activity, and metabolism affect bone health in Mexican American adults
Genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolic effects on skeletal health in Mexican Americans
This research looks at how genetic, gene-activity, and metabolic differences relate to bone strength and fracture risk in Mexican American adults, especially those with type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11295373 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your perspective, researchers will combine bone scans (DXA), imaging measures like trabecular bone score and femoral neck geometry, blood tests of bone turnover and metabolism, and genetic and gene-expression tests to find patterns linked to weak bones. They will focus on Mexican American adults, many of whom have type 2 diabetes, to find early signs of fracture risk that standard bone density tests often miss. The team will analyze DNA, RNA, and metabolites to connect genetic risk factors to functional changes in bone. Results may point to better screening markers or targets for future prevention and treatment approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are Mexican American adults (age 21+), particularly those with or at risk for type 2 diabetes, who can attend clinic visits for bone scans and blood tests.
Not a fit: Children, people without diabetes, or individuals from other ethnic groups may be less likely to be included or to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors spot Mexican American adults with diabetes who are at higher fracture risk earlier and guide better prevention or treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown measures like Trabecular Bone Score and bone geometry can predict fracture risk, but combining genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolic data specifically in Mexican Americans is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Miryoung — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Lee, Miryoung
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.