Understanding how nutrients affect bone health as we age
PROJECT 1 - Impact of Bone Cell-Specific IDO1 Knockout on Kynurenine Levels/AhR Activation and the Aging Musculoskeletal Phenotype
This research explores how certain nutrients and their byproducts might contribute to bone loss as people get older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11103304 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are looking into how specific substances from our diet, particularly a byproduct called kynurenine, might harm bone strength in older adults. Our work aims to understand if blocking a certain pathway in bone cells can prevent bone loss linked to inflammation. We also want to find out if different parts of this nutrient pathway can either build up or break down bone. This knowledge could help us find new ways to protect bones as we age.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients experiencing or at risk for age-related bone loss, such as osteoporosis, could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this foundational research.
Not a fit: Patients without age-related bone loss or those with bone conditions unrelated to nutrient metabolism may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies, possibly involving diet or medications, to prevent or treat age-related bone loss and osteoporosis.
How similar studies have performed: Our previous findings have already shown that a tryptophan breakdown product, kynurenine, negatively affects bone mass, suggesting this approach builds on existing evidence.
Where this research is happening
Augusta, United States
- Augusta University — Augusta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Isales, Carlos M. — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Isales, Carlos M.
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 below.