Understanding how aging affects bone health and gum disease
Official title: Regulation of Alveolar Bone Marrow MSC Senescence in Skeletal Aging and Periodontitis
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11074045 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how getting older affects the ability of bone marrow stem cells to heal and repair bones, especially for people with gum disease, and aims to find ways to help improve bone health in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | July 2, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $370,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE030536-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074045 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are adults aged 65 and older who may be experiencing issues related to bone health or periodontitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without any bone health issues or gum disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of aging on the ability of bone marrow stem cells to regenerate and repair bone, particularly in the context of periodontitis, a serious gum disease. It focuses on how cellular aging and stress affect these stem cells, which are crucial for maintaining healthy bone structure and function. By exploring the mechanisms behind stem cell senescence, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets to improve bone health in older adults. Patients may be involved in studies that assess their bone and gum health as part of this investigation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance bone healing and prevent gum disease in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of stem cells in aging and related diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Reuben Han-Kyu — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Kim, Reuben Han-Kyu
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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.