Understanding how aging affects bone health and remodeling
Official title: Cellular Mechanisms of Age-Associated Cortical Bone Remodeling
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10944378 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our bones change as we get older, especially focusing on certain cells that help keep our bones strong, with the goal of finding new ways to improve bone health and prevent fractures in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $375,100 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AR084530-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10944378 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly women over 50 and men over 50, who are at risk for osteoporosis and related fractures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 50 or those without any bone health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the cellular mechanisms behind age-related changes in cortical bone, which is crucial for maintaining overall bone health. It focuses on identifying specific myeloid progenitor cells that help maintain cortical bone as we age and characterizing the molecules that promote healthy bone remodeling. By studying how different types of osteoclasts, which are cells that break down bone, affect bone health, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic targets for improving bone density and reducing fracture risk in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance bone strength and reduce the risk of fractures in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding bone remodeling, but this specific approach focusing on age-related cortical bone mechanisms is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bradley, Elizabeth W — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Bradley, Elizabeth W
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating biological markers related to human reproduction and development
This study is looking at how different factors in our bodies affect reproduction and the health of children and teens, and it's for anyone interested in understanding more about these important topics by analyzing samples like blood and urine without changing anything in their daily lives.
-
AI-powered liver cancer screening using ultrasound blood flow patterns
A new AI-based method analyzes liver blood flow signals to help detect liver cancer early in people with liver disease, especially in settings with limited resources.
-
Caregiver-led mobile tool to support healthy habits for kids treated for ALL
A caregiver-directed mobile program helps children who were treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia build healthier daily routines.
-
Understanding how survivorship care plans affect health outcomes for cancer survivors
A study will look at whether survivorship care plans help reduce deaths and improve health for adults who have survived cancer.
-
Understanding the experience of ovarian cancer after diagnosis to improve survivorship
This NIH grant funds a mixed-methods study to better understand physical and emotional challenges faced by ovarian cancer survivors and how supportive care can help them live better after diagnosis.
-
Minnesota Population Center: a hub for migration, family and community data science
A university research center helps researchers study population dynamics by sharing data, training researchers, and communicating findings to diverse audiences.
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.