Somatosensory nerves help bones heal better
Official title: Somatosensory nerves and their regulation of fracture repair
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11340147 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how sensory nerves and signaling molecules influence bone healing so people with fractures may have faster and better repair.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $671,214 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AR087383-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11340147 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with acute bone fractures or fracture healing may be eligible for related future studies or trials if the approach advances.
✕Less likely to help
People with non-healing fractures or unrelated bone disorders may not benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Researchers at Johns Hopkins will study how nerve signals, especially TrkA+ sensory nerves, communicate with bone cells during fracture healing. They use advanced techniques like retrograde nerve tracing and single-cell RNA sequencing to map how nerves near bone fractures influence the healing process. The work focuses on molecules such as NGF and FGF9 that may mediate nerve-bone interactions and trigger bone cell growth and osteogenesis. If these nerve signals can be controlled, it could lead to new ways to improve fracture recovery for patients. This project aims to translate basic nerve-bone biology into potential therapeutic targets for better healing outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A clearer understanding of nerve-based mechanisms in bone healing could lead to new treatments that speed recovery after fractures.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data using nerve tracing and single-cell sequencing have identified nerve-derived factors like FGF9 that may influence healing; further work will determine effectiveness.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: James, Aaron W — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: James, Aaron W
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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.