Investigating the genetics of bone strength using mice
Official title: Large-Scale Genetic Analysis of Bone Strength in Diversity Outbred Mice
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11073103 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our genes affect bone strength to help prevent problems like osteoporosis, and it's being done using a variety of mice to find out which genes are linked to strong bones, with the hope that this will lead to better ways to keep our bones healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $699,595 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR082880-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073103 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research are individuals at risk for bone disorders, particularly those with a family history of osteoporosis or related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established bone diseases who are not interested in genetic factors or those who do not have a genetic predisposition to bone disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the genetic factors that influence bone strength, which is crucial for preventing conditions like osteoporosis. By studying a diverse group of mice, researchers will perform large-scale genetic analyses to identify genes associated with various traits related to bone strength. The study aims to enhance our understanding of how different genetic factors contribute to bone health, potentially leading to better prevention and treatment strategies for bone disorders in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new genetic insights that improve prevention and treatment options for bone diseases like osteoporosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous genome-wide association studies have successfully identified genetic factors related to bone mineral density, suggesting that this approach has the potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farber, Charles R — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Farber, Charles R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
STeroids and enhanced Antibiotics for sepsis in Africa with HIV/TB (STARS)
This grant tests whether adding steroids and stronger antibiotics helps adults with severe sepsis tied to HIV/TB in areas with high TB rates.
-
Steroids and better antibiotics for sepsis in people with AIDS in Africa
This study tests whether adding hydrocortisone and stronger antibiotics can improve survival for adults with sepsis who also have AIDS or advanced immune suppression in regions with high TB.
-
Predictive tools to improve pediatric donor heart use
A pediatric heart transplant grant is building data-driven tools to help doctors choose the best donor hearts for children.
-
Microglia Help Finish Seizures and Heal the Brain
Scientists are studying how brain immune cells (microglia) help end severe seizures and repair brain damage, with potential new ideas for people who have had status epilepticus.
-
Small molecules that boost the 20S proteasome to fight Alzheimer’s and related dementias
A new approach tests small molecules that activate the 20S proteasome to help neurons clear harmful proteins and slow the spread of disease in people affected by Alzheimer's and related dementias.
-
Advanced genome and transcriptome analysis with long-read sequencing
A researcher at a university is using long-read DNA and RNA sequencing to map complete genomes and transcriptomes for individuals to understand how genetic variations relate to disease risk.
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.