How growth-factor signals control bone mass and strength
Extracellular regulation of bone mass by transforming growth factor-ß-related ligands and their binding proteins
This project looks at how certain growth-factor proteins and their binding partners affect bone mass and strength to inform new ways to treat low bone density.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11332532 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying a group of related proteins (myostatin, GDF-11, activins) and their receptors that help keep bone growth in check. Using genetic and drug-like approaches in lab models, prior work showed that blocking these signals can substantially raise bone density, and targeting some receptors in bone cells produced very large increases. The team will now map the extracellular proteins and binding partners that control these signals to find the safest and most effective ways to boost bone. The goal is to translate those findings into strategies that could eventually be tested in people with weak bones.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with osteoporosis or clinically low bone density would be the most likely candidates for treatments developed from this research.
Not a fit: People without bone-density problems or whose bone loss is driven primarily by non-skeletal causes (for example prolonged immobility or some medications) may not benefit directly from these specific approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that substantially increase bone density and reduce fracture risk.
How similar studies have performed: Animal and genetic studies blocking activin-type signaling have previously increased bone density and early lab work showed large gains, but translating these results to safe human treatments has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
Farmington, United States
- University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt — Farmington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Se-Jin — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Lee, Se-Jin
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.