How sensory nerves influence bone growth and healing
Official title: Neuronal Regulation of Skeletal Development and Repair
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10918069 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sensory nerves help bones grow and heal, especially for people who have trouble with bone growth, to find new ways to improve bone healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | February 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $449,463 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE031028-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-10918069 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with conditions affecting bone development or repair, such as fractures, osteoporosis, or other bone diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully healed bones or those without any bone-related conditions may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of sensory nerves in the development and repair of bones, particularly focusing on how these nerves influence the growth and proliferation of bone-forming cells. The study examines the signaling pathways involved, specifically how nerve growth factor (NGF) affects the interaction between sensory nerves and mesenchymal progenitor cells, which are crucial for bone formation. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover new ways to enhance bone healing and regeneration, especially in conditions where bone growth is impaired.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that improve bone healing and regeneration in patients with bone diseases or injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of sensory nerves in bone biology, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clemens, Thomas L — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Clemens, Thomas L
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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.