Understanding specific cells in bone marrow that can become fat or bone cells
Official title: Illuminating adipo-osteoprogenitors in the bone marrow
Funded at Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-11030741 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special cells in your bone marrow that can turn into either fat or bone cells, and it aims to understand how these cells change as we age, which could help us learn more about bone health and conditions like diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $415,678 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG077911-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030741 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old, particularly those experiencing age-related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to bone health or metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a unique group of cells in the bone marrow that can develop into either fat or bone cells, which may play a crucial role in maintaining bone health. Using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, the study aims to identify and track these cells, known as adipo-osteoprogenitors, across different ages. By examining how these cells change with age, the research seeks to uncover their potential impact on conditions like diabetes and bone diseases. Patients may benefit from insights into how these cells function and contribute to overall health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating age-related bone and metabolic diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of studying adipo-osteoprogenitors is relatively novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding the roles of different cell types in bone and metabolic health.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Long, Fanxin — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Long, Fanxin
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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.