Investigating how aging affects bone stem cells and their environment
Official title: Role of Cyr61/CCN1 in Mesenchymal Stem Cell Niche and Aging Bone
Funded at South Texas Veterans Health Care System · NIH-11098516 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how aging affects the bone marrow and the stem cells that help keep our bones healthy, especially focusing on a protein called Cyr61/CCN1, to find ways to improve bone health for older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | South Texas Veterans Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2BX005694-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098516 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those aged 60 and above, who may be experiencing age-related bone health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 60 or do not have any age-related bone health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the changes in the bone marrow microenvironment that occur with aging and how these changes impact the behavior of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are crucial for bone health. The study uses a specialized culture system to compare MSCs from younger and older donors, focusing on the role of a protein called Cyr61/CCN1 in regulating bone formation. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve bone health in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance bone healing and reduce fracture risk in older patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of similar proteins in bone health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
South Texas Veterans Health Care System
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marinkovic, Milos — South Texas Veterans Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Marinkovic, Milos
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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.