How osteoclasts release lysosomes and maintain bone health
Official title: Molecular mechanisms of lysosome secretion in osteoclasts and bone Homeostasis
Funded at Southern California Inst for Res/educ · NIH-10449976 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in your bones, called osteoclasts, work to break down bone and how they release tiny structures called lysosomes that are important for bone health, which could help find new treatments for bone diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Southern California Inst for Res/educ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Long Beach, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $299,149 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR073298-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10449976 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with bone health issues, particularly those at risk for osteoporosis or other bone resorption disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable bone health and no history of bone resorption disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms by which osteoclasts, the cells responsible for bone resorption, secrete lysosomes that play a crucial role in bone health. It focuses on the signaling pathways activated by RANKL, a key cytokine, and how these pathways influence lysosome secretion and osteoclast function. By using advanced techniques such as phospho-proteomics and studying specific proteins involved in lysosome trafficking, the research aims to uncover the intricate processes that regulate bone resorption. This understanding could lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for bone-related diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatments for conditions like osteoporosis by targeting the mechanisms of bone resorption.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding osteoclast function and signaling pathways, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Southern California Inst for Res/educ
Long Beach, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Haibo — Southern California Inst for Res/educ
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Haibo
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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.