Role of Schwann Cell Precursors in Fracture Healing
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11449905 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant explores how a specific nerve-support cell type called Schwann cell precursors may influence bone healing and pain after fractures, using mouse models to map how these cells behave during healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $525,473 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AR086867-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11449905 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with acute bone fractures or those at risk of impaired fracture healing could benefit from findings that translate to pain relief and faster recovery.
✕Less likely to help
This basic science study uses animal models and may not directly involve patient participation.
What this research studies
Researchers will trace Schwann cell precursors in fractured bones to see how they change as healing progresses in mice. They will measure pain-like behaviors and movement to understand how nerve-related processes relate to recovery. The study aims to connect nerve repair and nerve-related signals with bone repair, potentially opening new avenues to ease pain and improve healing after fractures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new targets to reduce fracture pain and improve bone healing in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown links between nerve biology and tissue regeneration, suggesting this approach could yield meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Divieti Pajevic, Paola — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Divieti Pajevic, Paola
Related research
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-
Intermittent Fasting to Boost Fracture Healing in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
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-
Next-Generation MRI to Predict Bone Healing Using Virtual Testing
A new MRI-based method uses advanced imaging and computer models to predict how well broken bones are healing, starting with shinbone (tibial) fractures.
-
Urine cadmium and bone health in older adults
This project looks at whether long-term cadmium exposure, measured in urine, is linked to bone loss and fractures in older adults.
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.