Understanding how bone cells respond to bacterial infections
Official title: Mechanisms of osteocyte induction and regulation of pathogen-induced osteolysis
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10890641 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special type of bone cell called osteocytes helps the body react to bacterial infections that can cause bone loss, like osteomyelitis and periodontitis, and it aims to find new ways to prevent this bone loss.
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 start | July 18, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $415,971 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032036-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10890641 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from osteomyelitis or periodontitis, particularly those experiencing significant bone loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with bone loss not related to bacterial infections or those with other underlying conditions affecting bone health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of osteocytes, a type of bone cell, in the body's response to bacterial infections that can lead to bone loss, such as osteomyelitis and periodontitis. By studying mice with specific genetic modifications, researchers aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms that trigger inflammation and bone resorption in response to bacterial signals. The approach includes analyzing the secretion of inflammatory factors from osteocytes and their impact on immune cell behavior. This could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways to prevent bone loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that prevent or reduce bone loss associated with bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting specific pathways in bone cells can lead to significant improvements in bone health, suggesting a promising avenue for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ueki, Yasuyoshi — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Ueki, Yasuyoshi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Adapting flow cytometry to detect childhood leukemias in Kenya using a single-test screen
A low-cost, blood-based flow cytometry screen in Kenya aims to detect and triage suspected leukemias in children and young adults.
-
Dementia care staff study: adapting a US survey for use in many countries
A study is adapting and testing a survey for dementia care workers in the US, Brazil, Switzerland, and Ghana to help understand why workers stay in their jobs and how to improve care.
-
Dementia care staff study: adapting a survey for use in many countries
A multinational study will adapt and test a U.S. dementia-care worker survey in Brazil, Switzerland, and Ghana to help understand why staff stay in or leave long-term care settings.
-
Study of Dementia Care Staff in 4 Countries: Adapting Caregiver Surveys Across Cultures
A multinational project will adapt and test a dementia care worker survey so researchers can compare care environments across the US, Brazil, Switzerland, and Ghana.
-
Severe malaria and brain risk in children
This grant studies how severe malaria in young children can affect brain development and long-term thinking and behavior, with a focus on kids in Uganda.
-
Tau filament structure in Alzheimer’s and related dementias
Aims to map the detailed 3D shapes of tau protein filaments found in human brain diseases to help develop better diagnostics and treatments for Alzheimer’s-related dementias.
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.