Single-Cell Study of Bone Cells to Understand Osteoporosis
Official title: Single Cell Dissection of Osteo-blasto/clasto-genic Lineage Cells for Osteoporosis
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11365798 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will study individual bone-related cells from people to uncover why aging leads to weaker bones and higher fracture risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2017 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $829,302 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AG055373-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11365798 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with osteoporosis or aging-related bone loss who are undergoing bone biopsy or blood sampling may participate.
✕Less likely to help
People without osteoporosis or relevant bone samples may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project uses advanced single-cell analysis to map the different bone-forming and bone-resorbing cells in bone tissue and blood. By examining cell types like osteoblasts, osteocytes, and monocytes at the individual cell level, the study aims to link cell composition and gene activity with bone density and fracture risk. The work is designed to reveal human biology behind osteoporosis and point toward new ways to prevent fractures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify new cellular targets and pathways to prevent or treat osteoporosis and reduce fracture risk.
How similar studies have gone: Prior omics studies have suggested that integrating bone-related cell types can improve understanding, but this approach is relatively novel in linking single-cell profiles to fracture risk.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deng, Hong-Wen — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Deng, Hong-Wen
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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.