Understanding how bone forms and breaks down

Dynamics of Bone ECM Assembly and Resorption

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI KANSAS CITY · NIH-11141206

This work aims to better understand how our bones build and remove their internal structure, which is important for conditions like osteoporosis.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI KANSAS CITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (KANSAS CITY, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11141206 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Our bones are constantly rebuilding themselves, a process that can become unbalanced in diseases like osteoporosis, leading to fragile bones. While we know a lot about the cells involved, we don't fully understand how the bone's internal support structure, called the extracellular matrix, is formed and then broken down. This project uses advanced imaging techniques to watch these processes happen in real-time in living cells and animals. By observing how bone-building and bone-removing cells interact with this matrix, we hope to uncover new insights into bone health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is not recruiting patients directly but aims to benefit individuals with bone density issues, such as osteoporosis, in the future.

Not a fit: Patients without bone diseases or those seeking immediate treatment options would not directly benefit from this basic science research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of bone diseases and help identify new targets for treatments that strengthen bones and prevent fractures.

How similar studies have performed: While much is known about bone cells, the dynamic observation of bone matrix assembly and resorption in live systems is a relatively novel approach.

Where this research is happening

KANSAS CITY, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Bone Diseases

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.