Understanding how morphine affects bone health through microRNAs
Official title: Investigating miRNA-Mediated Bone Loss from Morphine Treatment
Funded at Mainehealth · NIH-11054549 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how morphine, a common pain medication, might cause bone loss by exploring tiny molecules called microRNAs that affect bone health, using male mice to see how morphine changes bone density and these microRNAs, with the hope of finding ways to help people on opioids keep their bones strong.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mainehealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | March 11, 2024 |
| Project end | March 10, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $35,082 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AR084287-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054549 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are using opioids for pain management and are at risk of bone density loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not using opioids or those with pre-existing severe bone conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how morphine treatment can lead to bone loss by examining the role of microRNAs, which are small molecules that regulate gene expression. The study uses a model where male mice are treated with morphine to observe changes in bone density and the expression of specific microRNAs associated with bone health. By understanding the mechanisms behind morphine's impact on bone, the research aims to uncover potential pathways that could be targeted to prevent bone loss in patients using opioids.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preserving bone health in patients who require opioid treatment.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of examining microRNAs in the context of opioid-induced bone loss is novel, related research has shown that understanding molecular mechanisms can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Mainehealth
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Langlais, Audrie — Mainehealth
- Study coordinator: Langlais, Audrie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How HIV and HIV meds affect jaw bone and teeth
This project looks at how HIV, its treatment, and immune changes may cause jawbone and tooth loss in people living with HIV.
-
Periodontitis and HIV treatment–related bone loss in the jaw and teeth
This project studies how HIV and its treatment affect jawbone and tooth loss in people living with HIV, aiming to understand and reduce bone damage around teeth.
-
Molecular clues to bone loss from disuse
This project looks for genes that influence bone loss when people or animals don’t move much, like during bed rest or spaceflight.
-
Oral-Gut–Bone Links in Periodontitis and Bone Loss
This research explores how gum disease could affect bone health by studying the connection between the mouth, gut, and bones in adults.
-
Bone health restoration after spinal cord injury through Wnt signaling and exercise
Aims to find a long-term way to preserve and rebuild bone in people with spinal cord injury, especially veterans, by combining exercise and bone-building signals.
-
Urine cadmium and bone health in older adults
This project looks at whether long-term cadmium exposure, measured in urine, is linked to bone loss and fractures in older adults.
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.