How sensory nerves affect the healing of growth plate injuries in children
Official title: Sensory nerve regulation of growth plate repair
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11061326 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how nerves help kids heal from growth plate injuries, which can cause problems with bone growth, and aims to find ways to make that healing better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $174,721 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AR083544-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061326 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who have experienced growth plate injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have growth plate injuries or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how sensory nerves influence the healing process of growth plate injuries in children, which are common and can lead to serious complications like impaired bone growth. The study aims to understand the molecular mechanisms behind this interaction by using advanced techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze how sensory neurons communicate with skeletal tissues after an injury. By uncovering these mechanisms, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve healing outcomes for affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance the healing of growth plate injuries, preventing long-term complications in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of sensory nerves in bone healing, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: James, Aaron W — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: James, Aaron W
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.