Hox-Regulated MSCs and Bone Healing in Adults
Official title: Hox-Regulated MSCs in Skeletal Development, Growth and Fracture Healing
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11336929 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is exploring how Hox genes control bone growth and healing in adults, using special genetic tools to watch and modify bone stem cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $411,281 |
| NIH project number | 5R37AR061402-15 |
| Project ID | NIH-11336929 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include adults with or at risk for skeletal disorders where bone growth and healing are relevant.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without bone health concerns or who are not undergoing bone healing may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project investigates how Hox genes influence the formation and repair of bone by studying skeletal stem and progenitor cells. Researchers will use live imaging and genetic deletion techniques to see how Hox factors affect osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. The work aims to map downstream pathways and targets that control bone development and fracture healing in adult tissues. Findings could reveal new steps to enhance bone regeneration and repair in people with bone injuries or aging-related bone loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new targets to improve fracture healing and bone regeneration in adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows Hox genes influence skeletal development, but the exact mechanisms in adults are not fully understood and this study seeks to clarify them.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wellik, Deneen M — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Wellik, Deneen M
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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.