Investigating a protein's role in bone health and disease
Official title: Girk3 in bone biology and disease
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11193651 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Girk3 affects bone health and could help us find new ways to improve bone density and prevent bone loss, especially for people dealing with bone-related issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $248,998 |
| NIH project number | 4R00AR080745-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11193651 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing bone density issues or those at risk for osteoporosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute bone injuries or conditions unrelated to bone density may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific protein, Girk3, influences bone development and diseases. The study aims to explore the effects of Girk3 deletion on bone density and the secretion of certain cytokines that affect bone resorption. Through various advanced techniques, including single-cell RNA sequencing and histomorphometry, researchers will analyze how changes in Girk3 impact bone health in adult mice. The ultimate goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets for improving bone density and preventing bone loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for conditions that cause bone loss, such as osteoporosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar pathways for improving bone health, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weaver, Samantha R — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Weaver, Samantha R
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.