Investigating the role of a protein in bone health for children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Official title: Role of FGF21 in DMD
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10984314 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called FGF21 affects bone health in kids with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), with the goal of finding new ways to help strengthen their bones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $585,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AR083398-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984314 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a protein called FGF21 affects bone health in children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a condition that weakens muscles and bones. The study will explore the sources of FGF21 in muscle tissue and how it influences bone metabolism. Researchers will use mouse models and cell cultures to investigate the mechanisms behind FGF21 expression and its impact on bone health. By uncovering these details, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve skeletal health in affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve bone health and reduce fractures in children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of FGF21 in DMD is being explored for the first time, similar research on muscle-bone interactions has shown promise in other conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Hongshuai — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Li, Hongshuai
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.