Tiny cell antennae and extra bone growth in muscles and soft tissues
The essential roles of primary cilia in heterotopic ossification
This project looks at how tiny structures on cells called primary cilia contribute to abnormal bone forming in muscles and soft tissues, including in people with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) and after injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173733 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your perspective, the team is trying to understand how tiny antenna-like structures on cells (primary cilia) control a signaling pathway that drives unwanted bone growth in muscles and soft tissues. They will use cell experiments and animal models that mimic hereditary FOP and injury-related heterotopic ossification to map where and how the signaling goes wrong. The researchers aim to identify points where drugs might interrupt the process and prevent or reduce new bone formation. Findings could guide future tests of therapies that stop or slow heterotopic ossification in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) or individuals at high risk of heterotopic ossification after injury or surgery would be the most relevant to follow this work or join related future trials.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated bone conditions such as osteoporosis or routine joint wear-and-tear (osteoarthritis) are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this specific HO-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new drug targets to prevent or reduce abnormal bone growth in patients with FOP or trauma-related heterotopic ossification.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked BMP/ACVR1 signaling to HO and shown promise in targeting ACVR1 for FOP, but studying the role of primary cilia in this pathway is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Haitao — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Wang, Haitao
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 below.