Improving bone healing for fractures that don't mend, especially with inflammatory conditions
Targeting angiogenesis for fracture nonunion treatment under inflammatory diseases
This project looks for new ways to help broken bones heal better, especially for people with ongoing inflammation, by improving blood vessel growth at the fracture site.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170491 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people experience fractures that don't heal properly, a condition called nonunion, which often requires multiple surgeries and causes significant disability. This problem is particularly common in individuals with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or those who smoke. Our work suggests that ongoing inflammation prevents new blood vessels from forming correctly at the fracture site, which is essential for bone repair. We are exploring how a protein called Dnmt3b influences this process and aim to deliver specific molecules, OPN and CXCL12, directly to the fracture to restore healthy blood vessel growth and promote healing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is most relevant to patients experiencing fractures that are not healing, particularly those who also have inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or who are older or smokers.
Not a fit: Patients whose fractures heal normally or who do not have underlying inflammatory conditions would likely not receive direct benefit from this specific treatment approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help difficult-to-heal fractures mend more effectively, particularly for patients with inflammatory conditions, potentially reducing the need for repeated surgeries.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary findings in laboratory models suggest that targeting Dnmt3b and delivering specific molecules can improve blood vessel formation and fracture healing, indicating a promising, yet early-stage, approach.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shen, Jie — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Shen, Jie
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.