How p21-marked (aging) cells affect bone damage and healing after radiation
Role of p21 positive senescent cells in radiation-induced skeletal injury and repair
This project looks at whether a specific kind of aging cell marked by p21 causes bone weakening and slows repair after radiation in cancer survivors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11319001 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will map which bone cells express the p21 marker after radiation and compare them to cells marked by p16 using tissue analyses. They will measure the inflammatory signals those cells release (the SASP) and study how that environment affects bone-forming cells like osteoblasts and osteocytes. In lab models and animal experiments, the team will test whether targeting or eliminating p21-positive cells improves bone repair after radiation injury. The goal is to identify approaches that could protect or restore bone health in people who receive radiotherapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be older adult cancer survivors who received radiotherapy that affected bone and who have signs of bone loss or fractures.
Not a fit: People who never had radiotherapy to their bones or whose bone problems come from unrelated causes may not benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to treatments that prevent radiation-related bone loss and improve healing, reducing fractures and preserving independence.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies and early lab work suggest clearing senescent cells can improve tissue repair, but clinical evidence in people is still limited.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chandra, Abhishek — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Chandra, Abhishek
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.