NIH-funded research Career grant

How irisin affects bone health during exercise

Official title: The Role of Irisin in Initiating Resorption During the Skeletal Response to Exercise

Funded at University of New England · NIH-11280631 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a substance called irisin, which is released from your muscles when you exercise, might help keep your bones strong and healthy, especially for older adults, and it will involve some patients trying out irisin infusions and exercise to see how it affects their bone health.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of New England
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Biddeford, United States)
Project startFebruary 1, 2025
Project endJanuary 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$126,900
NIH project number7K01AR081959-03
Project IDNIH-11280631 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are at risk for bone density loss or osteoporosis.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not experiencing bone health issues or are younger and not at risk for osteoporosis may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of irisin, a signaling peptide released from muscles during exercise, in influencing bone health. The study aims to understand how irisin affects bone formation and resorption, particularly in older adults. By examining the genetic and biochemical pathways involved, the research seeks to clarify how exercise-induced irisin can help maintain or improve bone density and prevent bone loss. Patients may be involved in trials assessing the effects of irisin infusions and exercise on their bone health.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for preventing bone loss and improving bone health in aging populations.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the effects of irisin on bone health, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

  • University of New England
    Biddeford, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Estell, Eben Grant — University of New England
  • Study coordinator: Estell, Eben Grant

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.