Investigating the role of a protein in bone cell development and function
Official title: The Role of TRAPPC9 in Osteoclast Differentiation and Function
Funded at Northeast Ohio Medical University · NIH-11017040 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called TRAPPC9 affects bone cells that help break down bone, which could help us understand bone problems in people with intellectual disabilities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeast Ohio Medical University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rootstown, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2020 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $338,049 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR077762-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017040 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with intellectual disabilities who also exhibit skeletal abnormalities related to TRAPPC9 mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without TRAPPC9 mutations or those who do not have associated skeletal abnormalities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the TRAPPC9 protein affects the development and function of osteoclasts, which are cells responsible for bone resorption. By examining the role of TRAPPC9 in normal bone physiology, the study aims to uncover its involvement in skeletal abnormalities often seen in patients with intellectual disabilities. The researchers will utilize various methodologies, including functional knockdown experiments, to assess how changes in TRAPPC9 expression impact bone cell behavior. This could provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of bone disorders associated with TRAPPC9 mutations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating bone disorders linked to TRAPPC9 mutations.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of TRAPPC9 in osteoclast differentiation is being explored, similar studies have shown promise in understanding the genetic basis of skeletal disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
Northeast Ohio Medical University
Rootstown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Safadi, Fayez F — Northeast Ohio Medical University
- Study coordinator: Safadi, Fayez F
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Genetically modified gerbils to study how brain cells help locate sounds
A scientist team will create genetically modified gerbils to understand how specific brain cells in the brainstem help us pinpoint where sounds come from, especially at frequencies similar to human hearing.
-
Auditory Processing in the Amygdala and How It Shapes Social Hearing
This grant studies how the amygdala helps us understand and react to vocal sounds, which could inform ways to support people with brain-inspired communication changes.
-
How swallowing problems can affect infant lungs in a baby model
This grant studies how aspirated liquids during feeding may affect lung health in babies, using a controlled animal model to understand potential links to lung damage.
-
Understanding how brain cells in the ear’s brainstem help localize sound in kids
A study using high-tech brain imaging to understand why children with hearing problems may struggle to locate where sounds come from.
-
GPNMB therapy to help bones regenerate
A GPNMB-based gel that slowly releases bone-healing proteins for people who need bone grafts or spinal fusion.
-
How sex chromosomes and hormones shape brain immune responses in Alzheimer's
This project is looking at whether genetic sex and sex hormones change brain immune cells in Alzheimer's disease to help explain why women are more affected.
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.