Investigating how mechanical and hormonal signals can increase bone mass
Official title: Cross Talk of Mechanical and Hormonal Signals to Increase Bone Mass
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11137487 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain hormone injections can help build stronger bones, especially for people who don’t move around much and might not get enough benefit from regular treatments for osteoporosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $175,948 |
| NIH project number | 1K08AR084618-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11137487 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with osteoporosis, particularly those who have low physical activity levels.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have osteoporosis or those who are highly active and do not require additional bone mass stimulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the interaction between mechanical loading and hormonal signals, specifically focusing on how intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) injections can stimulate bone formation. It aims to understand the mechanisms by which these signals work together, particularly in patients with low physical activity who may not benefit from traditional PTH treatments alone. The study will investigate the role of Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) and cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling in bone cells to identify new therapeutic targets for osteoporosis. By examining these pathways, the research seeks to develop innovative treatments that enhance bone mass and health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve bone mass and reduce the risk of fractures in patients with osteoporosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of mechanical and hormonal signals on bone health, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Papaioannou, Garyfallia — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Papaioannou, Garyfallia
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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.