Understanding how bone cells communicate to improve bone health in older adults
Official title: A new model for spatio-temporal coupling of bone formation and bone resorption governed by osteoclasts
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10905262 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two important types of bone cells talk to each other to help keep our bones strong, and it aims to find new ways to prevent bone loss as we age, especially for those dealing with osteoporosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $393,490 |
| NIH project number | 4R33AR078073-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10905262 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing age-related bone loss or osteoporosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and do not have any signs of bone loss or osteoporosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the communication between two types of bone cells, osteoclasts and osteoblasts, which play crucial roles in bone formation and resorption. By exploring a newly discovered mechanism of cell communication called tunneling nanotubes, the study aims to identify how these cells interact and how this interaction can be manipulated to prevent bone loss associated with aging. The researchers will use live imaging techniques in animal models to observe these processes and test potential therapeutic solutions. This approach could lead to innovative treatments for osteoporosis, a condition that significantly affects older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent or reduce bone loss in older adults, thereby decreasing the risk of fractures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding bone cell interactions, but this specific approach using tunneling nanotubes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mishina, Yuji — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Mishina, Yuji
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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.