Understanding the causes of jaw bone damage in patients taking certain medications
Official title: Deciphering Cellular and Genetic Features that Give Rise to Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11137245 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why some cancer patients who take certain medications might develop a serious jawbone condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw, and it aims to find out how genes play a role in this so that doctors can better predict who might be at risk and help prevent it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $513,574 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DE033668-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11137245 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include cancer patients who are currently taking bisphosphonates or anti-RANK ligand antibodies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not taking bisphosphonates or anti-RANK ligand antibodies, or those without a history of jaw bone issues, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), a serious condition where the jawbone becomes exposed and dies, often affecting cancer patients who take medications like bisphosphonates. The study aims to identify genetic and cellular factors that contribute to the development of ONJ, using advanced techniques such as CRISPR screens to analyze how these medications interact with genes. By understanding these mechanisms, the researchers hope to create a risk score that can predict which patients are more likely to develop ONJ, ultimately leading to better prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and management strategies for patients at risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully identified genetic factors related to drug responses, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into ONJ.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Surface, Lauren Elizabeth — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Surface, Lauren Elizabeth
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.