Understanding Bone Cells to Fight Osteoporosis
Official title: Single Cell Dissection of Osteo-blasto/clasto-genic Lineage Cells for Osteoporosis
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11118844 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores different types of bone cells to better understand osteoporosis and prevent fractures in older adults.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $604,298 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AG055373-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11118844 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with osteoporosis, especially those at risk for or who have experienced fractures, could eventually benefit from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without osteoporosis or bone health concerns would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Osteoporosis is a common bone disease in aging, leading to weak bones and increased fracture risk, even when bone density is measured. This project aims to look closely at the specific cells that build and break down bone, such as osteoblasts and osteoclasts, in people with osteoporosis. By studying these cells at a very detailed level, including using human bone biopsies and blood samples, we hope to uncover the exact mechanisms behind bone loss and fractures. This advanced approach helps us understand the disease beyond just bone density measurements, paving the way for new prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that specifically target the cells involved in bone breakdown and formation, helping to prevent osteoporosis and fractures.
How similar studies have gone: This project uses advanced single-cell techniques, which are a relatively new and powerful approach to understanding complex diseases like osteoporosis.
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Or olive-oil derived compound to prevent bone loss in women
A safe, orally taken nutraceutical may help prevent osteoporosis in adult women by supporting bone formation and reducing bone loss.
-
When to stop, switch, or pause long-term osteoporosis medicines for older adults
This project looks at whether stopping, switching, or taking breaks from long-term osteoporosis drugs changes fracture risk and side effects for older adults.
-
Cortical Bone Mechanics Technology to better screen for osteoporosis
A new noninvasive test called CBMT uses ulnar flexural rigidity to predict fracture risk better than standard bone density tests, helping adults who may be at risk for osteoporosis.
-
Gene therapy for osteoporosis linked to ALDH2 deficiency in postmenopausal East Asian women
A gene therapy approach is being developed to reduce osteoporosis risk in postmenopausal East Asian women who have ALDH2 deficiency and drink alcohol.
-
Metabolomics clues to osteoporosis risk in diverse populations
A study using small molecules in blood samples to understand osteoporosis risk, with a focus on aging, ethnicity, and sex differences.
-
Single-Cell Study of Bone Cells to Understand Osteoporosis
Researchers will study individual bone-related cells from people to uncover why aging leads to weaker bones and higher fracture risk.
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.