Understanding how nerves influence bone healing in skull injuries

Investigating neuroskeletal interactions in non-healing calvarial defect injuries

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11070898

This study is looking at how nerves and bone cells work together when healing injuries in the face, with the hope of finding better ways to help patients recover from serious bone loss.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11070898 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the complex interactions between nerves and bone cells in the healing process of craniofacial injuries. By using advanced 3D imaging and single-cell transcriptomic techniques, the study aims to uncover how nerve infiltration and retraction affect bone formation in both healing and non-healing defects. The goal is to identify specific signaling interactions that could lead to improved treatments for critical-sized bone loss. Patients may benefit from insights that could enhance current therapeutic approaches for bone regeneration.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with non-healing craniofacial bone defects or those at risk for critical-sized bone loss.

Not a fit: Patients with fully healed craniofacial injuries or those without significant bone loss may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for promoting bone healing in patients with craniofacial injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding nerve-bone interactions, but this specific approach using advanced imaging techniques is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, 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.
Conditions Bone Injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.