MafB mutations and bone loss in a mouse model of a rare childhood skeletal disease
Official title: MafB mutations in Multicentric Carpo-Tarsal Osteolysis (MCTO): Multi-omic Exploration of the Mechanisms Involved in Skeletal Osteolysis in a Mouse MCTO Model
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11452238 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study using a mouse model of a very rare childhood bone disorder to understand why MafB mutations cause bone loss and joint pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $395,038 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AR087046-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11452238 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to patient enrollment for this basic animal-model study.
✕Less likely to help
The study does not involve enrolling patients or giving treatments to people.
What this research studies
This project will explore how MafB mutations contribute to osteolysis in a mouse model that mimics MCTO, focusing on bone and cartilage changes over time. Researchers will use multiple layers of data (genes, proteins, and cellular behavior) to understand the mechanisms behind rapid bone loss and inflammation that are not helped by current anti-inflammatory or anti-resorptive treatments. The work aims to identify potential new targets for therapies that could slow or prevent bone destruction in affected children. Results could inform future human studies and guide the development of better treatments for MCTO. The study is conducted at Harvard Medical School and is designed to translate findings from mice to potential human relevance and patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of what drives bone loss in MCTO could lead to new treatment approaches for affected children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has linked MafB mutations to bone defects, but the exact mechanisms remain unclear, making this investigation exploratory yet promising.
Where this research is happening
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Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baron, Roland E — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Baron, Roland E
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.