Understanding how blood vessel cells help bone grow
Human endothelial cell regulation of ossification
['FUNDING_R01'] · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11083768
This research explores how specific cells lining blood vessels in bone can encourage bone marrow stem cells to form new bone, aiming to improve future bone repair treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11083768 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many people need bone repair procedures each year, but current methods like bone grafting have limitations. This project focuses on using a patient's own bone marrow stem cells to grow new bone, which is a promising area in regenerative medicine. We are learning how certain cells that line blood vessels, called endothelial cells, play a crucial role in guiding these stem cells to become bone. By understanding this process, especially how a specific protein called KITLG influences it, we hope to develop better ways to help your body heal and regenerate bone.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who have bone defects or conditions requiring bone regeneration, such as those from injury, disease, or surgery, could potentially benefit from future therapies developed from this research.
Not a fit: Patients without bone defects or those whose conditions do not involve bone regeneration would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and more effective therapies for patients needing bone repair, reducing the need for traditional bone grafts and improving healing outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: The research team has previously shown that endothelial cells are important for maintaining stem cell potential, and this project builds on those findings by identifying specific types of endothelial cells and proteins involved in bone formation.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MELERO-MARTIN, JUAN M — BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: MELERO-MARTIN, JUAN M
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 below.