Understanding how primary cilia contribute to abnormal bone growth
Official title: The essential roles of primary cilia in heterotopic ossification
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-10916502 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny structures in our cells, called primary cilia, might affect the unusual growth of bone in soft tissues, which can happen in conditions like fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), and the researchers hope to find new ways to help people dealing with this issue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $410,535 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR081318-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916502 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with hereditary or nonhereditary forms of heterotopic ossification, particularly those with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to bone formation or those without any form of heterotopic ossification may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of primary cilia in the process of heterotopic ossification (HO), which is the abnormal formation of bone in soft tissues. The study focuses on both hereditary and nonhereditary forms of HO, including a rare genetic condition known as fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). By using novel models, the researchers aim to uncover how primary cilia influence the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway, which is crucial for bone formation. The ultimate goal is to develop new treatment strategies for patients affected by HO.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments for patients suffering from heterotopic ossification.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the BMP signaling pathway, but the specific role of primary cilia in HO is still being explored and represents a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Haitao — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Wang, Haitao
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
All of Us Biobank expansion and biospecimen program
A large Mayo Clinic–led project to collect and store biological samples from a diverse group of adults in the U.S. to advance precision medicine.
-
How baclofen and spinal cord stimulation interact in people with spinal cord injury
This study looks at how a common antispasmodic medicine (baclofen) works together with spinal cord stimulation in people who have spinal cord injuries and live with spasticity.
-
Pragmatic midodrine trial to reduce ICU vasopressor use in septic shock
A practical, patient-focused trial tests whether taking oral midodrine can lessen the need for IV vasopressors and shorten ICU stays for people with sepsis-related low blood pressure.
-
Estrogen’s role in eye pressure and glaucoma risk
A Mayo Clinic team is studying how estrogen and its receptors might control eye pressure in people with a common form of glaucoma.
-
Gut-brain connections in Parkinson’s disease: how the gut and environment shape symptoms
A Mayo Clinic team is studying how gut problems, environmental factors, and genetics together influence Parkinson’s disease and its GI symptoms to find biomarkers and better understanding of the disease.
-
ARTFL LEFFTDS Frontotemporal Dementia study cycle 2
This NIH grant supports a longitudinal study to understand and track frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and related disorders in people, aiming to uncover biomarkers and disease progression information that could help patients and families.
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.