Understanding how heparan sulfate affects bone resorption by cathepsin K
Official title: The role of heparan sulfate in cathepsin K biology
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11228642 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called heparan sulfate affects an important enzyme involved in breaking down bone, which could help us find new ways to treat bone diseases like osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | November 7, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $528,793 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DE031273-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11228642 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with bone diseases such as osteoporosis, periodontitis, rheumatoid arthritis, or Paget’s disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with bone diseases not related to excessive osteoclast activity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of heparan sulfate in the biology of cathepsin K, an enzyme crucial for bone resorption. By exploring how heparan sulfate interacts with cathepsin K, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new treatments for bone diseases characterized by excessive bone loss, such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The research will involve detailed structural analysis and functional assays to determine how manipulating this interaction can influence cathepsin K activity. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to novel therapeutic strategies targeting bone resorption.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for patients suffering from bone diseases by targeting cathepsin K activity.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific interaction between heparan sulfate and cathepsin K is novel, similar research has shown promise in targeting enzymes involved in bone resorption.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Ding — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Xu, Ding
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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.