How macrophages affect bone loss as we age
Role of Macrophage in Osteoimmunology with Aging
This project looks at whether immune cells called macrophages drive bone loss in older people and whether the drug hydroxychloroquine can help protect bone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261233 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You will hear about research that studies a special group of bone-marrow macrophages that carry an active form of TGFβ1 and increase with age. Scientists trace how these macrophages interact with T helper cells and reduce levels of a regulatory protein (TRAF3), which together slow bone formation. The team uses cell and tissue experiments and aged mouse models, and may analyze human bone marrow specimens, to follow the molecules and measure effects on bone-making and bone-resorbing cells. They also test whether blocking lysosomal activation with the approved drug hydroxychloroquine can stop the harmful signaling and preserve bone.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The patients most likely to be relevant are older adults with age-related osteoporosis (bone loss linked to aging rather than recent menopause or other clear causes).
Not a fit: People whose bone loss is primarily due to other causes such as recent surgical menopause, chronic steroid use, genetic bone diseases, or non-immune metabolic conditions may not benefit from therapies targeting this macrophage–TGFβ1 pathway.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or slow age-related osteoporosis, possibly by repurposing hydroxychloroquine or similar approaches that block macrophage-driven signals.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have connected TGFβ1 and immune cells to bone loss in animals, but using hydroxychloroquine to block macrophage-driven TGFβ1 signaling in age-related osteoporosis is relatively new and not yet proven in humans.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yao, Zhenqiang — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Yao, Zhenqiang
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.