Understanding how bone cells communicate to keep bones strong
Official title: Role of Ca2+ Signaling by 3D Osteocyte Networks in Mechanoadaptive Response of the Bone Multicellular Unit
Funded at Syracuse University · NIH-11170601 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores how the most common bone cells, called osteocytes, sense movement and send signals to other cells to help bones adapt and stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Syracuse University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $290,571 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR083466-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11170601 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future applications could benefit individuals with bone diseases or those at risk for fractures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
What this research studies
Our bones are constantly changing, a process called remodeling, which is coordinated by special cells called osteocytes. These cells act like tiny sensors, detecting mechanical forces and communicating across a complex 3D network within the bone. This project uses a new 'bone multicellular unit' chip to watch how these osteocytes send calcium signals when they sense movement. We want to understand how these signals influence other bone cells, osteoblasts (which build bone) and osteoclasts (which break down bone), to keep our bones strong and healthy, especially after an injury.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to treat bone diseases by targeting how bone cells communicate and adapt to stress.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of osteocyte signaling is known, this project uses a novel 3D chip model to observe these processes in a more integrated way than previously possible.
Where this research is happening
-
Syracuse University
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Soman, Pranav — Syracuse University
- Study coordinator: Soman, Pranav
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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.