New treatments for abnormal bone growth after injuries
Official title: Small RNA Targeting Approaches to Advance Treatments for Heterotopic Ossification
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10997647 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a condition called heterotopic ossification, where bone grows in places it shouldn't after injuries or surgeries, and it aims to find new treatments using tiny molecules to help people who are dealing with this painful issue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $589,255 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AR083421-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997647 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced high-impact trauma or orthopedic surgeries that may lead to heterotopic ossification.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of trauma or orthopedic surgeries are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on heterotopic ossification (HO), a condition where bone forms in soft tissues after injuries or surgeries. The team will investigate small RNA molecules, such as microRNA and siRNA, to develop nanoparticle-based therapies that could effectively treat HO. By using a mouse model that mimics trauma-induced HO, they aim to understand the underlying mechanisms and identify new therapeutic targets. This approach could lead to innovative treatments for patients suffering from this debilitating condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new, effective therapies for patients with heterotopic ossification, improving their recovery and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using small RNA targeting approaches for various conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel application in treating heterotopic ossification.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcalinden, Audrey — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Mcalinden, Audrey
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.