Investigating how a specific protein affects bone health and nerve function.
Official title: Sarm1 and neural regulation of bone
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10986984 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Sarm1 affects bone health, especially for people with diabetes or anorexia, and aims to find new treatments that could help strengthen bones and improve nerve function.
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 start | January 13, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $382,753 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK132073-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986984 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents and young adults aged 12-20 who have conditions affecting bone health, such as diabetes or anorexia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any conditions affecting bone health or nerve function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the role of the Sarm1 protein, which is involved in nerve function and is activated during injury and stress. The study aims to understand how Sarm1 affects bone formation and health, particularly in conditions like diabetes and anorexia. By exploring the relationship between nerve damage and bone fragility, the researchers hope to develop targeted therapies that can improve both bone and nerve health. Patients may be involved in trials that test new treatments aimed at inhibiting Sarm1 to enhance bone strength.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve bone health and reduce fracture risk in patients with nerve-related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting similar pathways in nerve function can lead to improvements in related health issues, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scheller, Erica Lynn — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Scheller, Erica Lynn
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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.