Understanding how bone cells contribute to bone loss from infections
Mechanisms of osteocyte induction and regulation of pathogen-induced osteolysis
This research explores how specific bone cells react to infections and cause bone loss, hoping to find new ways to protect your bones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11115833 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores how special bone cells, called osteocytes, play a role in bone loss that happens because of infections like osteomyelitis and periodontitis. We know that osteocytes are important for bone health, but their exact role in infection-related bone damage is still unclear. This project uses advanced methods to understand the specific signals within these osteocytes that trigger bone breakdown. By uncovering these signals, we hope to identify new targets for medicines that could prevent or treat bone loss caused by infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future studies stemming from this work might seek individuals with bone loss due to infections like periodontitis or osteomyelitis.
Not a fit: Patients without bone loss related to bacterial infections would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that protect bones from damage caused by infections, potentially improving outcomes for conditions like periodontitis and osteomyelitis.
How similar studies have performed: The idea that osteocytes are multifunctional cells and potential therapeutic targets is a relatively new discovery, making this approach novel in understanding pathogen-induced osteolysis.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ueki, Yasuyoshi — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Ueki, Yasuyoshi
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.