Protecting bones after spinal cord injury with Wnt-targeted therapy and exercise
Official title: Neurogenic bone loss after SCI: skeletal rehabilitation via Wnt and exercise interactions
Funded at Rlr VA Medical Center · NIH-11222643 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project combines a Wnt-targeting approach with exercise to help people with spinal cord injury preserve or rebuild bone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rlr VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003714-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11222643 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with recent or chronic spinal cord injury who are experiencing bone loss or are at high risk for fractures, including veterans, would be the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without spinal cord injury or those with serious cardiovascular disease that prevents use of Wnt-targeting drugs may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
I have a spinal cord injury and worry about rapid bone loss; this work looks at how boosting the Wnt bone-building pathway together with targeted exercise could protect or restore bone after SCI. Researchers will use laboratory models and biologic samples to learn how these treatments interact and to find strategies that can be translated into rehabilitation. The team aims to develop long-term approaches that keep bone strong so fractures don’t undo progress made in neurologic recovery. Findings would inform safe ways to pair drug-based bone anabolics with exercise for people living with SCI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help people with spinal cord injury keep or regain bone strength and reduce fracture risk, making rehabilitation safer and more effective.
How similar studies have gone: Wnt-boosting drugs such as romosozumab have increased bone mass in osteoporosis and in SCI animal models but carry cardiovascular safety warnings, so applying similar approaches safely in SCI remains relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Rlr VA Medical Center
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robling, Alexander G — Rlr VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Robling, Alexander G
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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.