Understanding how HIF-1 affects the health of intervertebral discs
Official title: Role of HIF-1 in intervertebral disc function
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11175785 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called HIF-1 helps keep the cells in your spinal discs healthy, especially when there's not much oxygen, and it aims to find ways to improve these cells' function as we age or face disc problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $312,002 |
| NIH project number | 2R56AR055655-16A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11175785 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing intervertebral disc degeneration or related back issues, particularly older adults.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute back injuries or those without any disc degeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of HIF-1 in maintaining the metabolism of cells in the intervertebral disc, particularly under low oxygen conditions. It aims to understand how HIF-1 influences glucose and lactate metabolism in these cells, which is crucial for disc health. The study will involve both animal models and human tissue samples to explore how age and disease impact these metabolic processes. By identifying the mechanisms involved, the research seeks to find ways to enhance disc cell function and potentially slow down degeneration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve intervertebral disc health and prevent degeneration, benefiting patients with back pain and related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding metabolic processes in intervertebral discs, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Risbud, Makarand V — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Risbud, Makarand V
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.