Improving fracture healing in patients with diabetes
Official title: Treatment and Mechanisms of Diabetic Fracture Healing
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11018585 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how diabetes can slow down the healing of broken bones and is testing a new way to help improve healing by using a special gel that releases a growth factor, focusing on a protein called FOXO1 and tiny structures in bone cells that are important for recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $491,434 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR080895-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11018585 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with diabetes who have experienced bone fractures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or those who have not sustained bone fractures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how diabetes affects the healing of bone fractures and explores new strategies to enhance this process. The study focuses on the role of a specific protein, FOXO1, and the presence of cellular structures called cilia in bone cells, which are crucial for proper healing. By using a specially designed hydrogel that releases a growth factor, the researchers aim to improve the healing outcomes for diabetic patients with fractures. The approach includes both laboratory testing and advanced imaging techniques to assess healing progress.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for fracture healing in diabetic patients, reducing complications and enhancing recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in enhancing fracture healing through targeted molecular approaches, suggesting potential for success in this novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Shuying — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Yang, Shuying
Related research
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Intermittent Fasting to Boost Fracture Healing in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
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-
Next-Generation MRI to Predict Bone Healing Using Virtual Testing
A new MRI-based method uses advanced imaging and computer models to predict how well broken bones are healing, starting with shinbone (tibial) fractures.
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.