Understanding how a specific stem cell affects vertebrae health
Official title: Discovery of a stem cell governing vertebral physiology
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10979345 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special type of stem cell found in your spine that helps build and strengthen your vertebrae, and it hopes to learn more about how these cells work so we can better understand and treat spine problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $547,424 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AR083462-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979345 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with degenerative spinal conditions or those at risk for vertebral disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to vertebral health or those with long bone disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a newly identified type of skeletal stem cell specific to vertebrae, known as vertebral skeletal stem cells (vSSCs). These cells have unique properties that allow them to contribute to the formation and mineralization of vertebrae, which differ significantly from long bones. By studying these cells, the research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that lead to various vertebral disorders and improve our understanding of bone health. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how these stem cells function and their role in degenerative diseases affecting the spine.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for vertebral disorders and improve overall spinal health.
How similar studies have gone: While the study of skeletal stem cells is ongoing, the specific focus on vertebral skeletal stem cells is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior research.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greenblatt, Matthew Blake — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Greenblatt, Matthew Blake
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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.