Understanding and stopping abnormal bone growth after injury or genetic disease
Official title: Mechanistic and Therapeutic Studies of Initiation and Expansion for Genetic and Acquired Heterotopic Ossification
Funded at Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-11393076 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to understand why bones grow where they shouldn’t after injuries or in certain genetic conditions, with the aim of finding ways to stop or treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | July 11, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $229,357 |
| NIH project number | 5R00AR078929-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393076 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with heterotopic ossification or genetic conditions predisposing to HO could participate in future translational or clinical efforts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without HO or related conditions might not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
Researchers will study the cells and signals that cause heterotopic ossification, a problem where bone forms outside the skeleton. They will use mouse models and human samples to map the pathways that drive bone formation, focusing on factors like YAP and SHH that seem to trigger surrounding cells to form bone. The goal is to identify potential targets for therapies that could prevent or limit this unwanted bone growth. This work could lead to treatments that reduce pain, disability, and the need for repeated surgeries in patients with HO.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce abnormal bone growth after injury or in genetic conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in HO and related pathways suggests that targeting signaling pathways may reduce ectopic bone formation, supporting potential impact.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cong, Qian — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Cong, Qian
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.