Understanding the roles of osteocalcin in the body

Skeletal and non-skeletal roles for osteocalcin

NIH-funded research Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-10818553

This study is looking at a protein called osteocalcin, which is mostly found in bones, to see how it might affect things like blood sugar, fat storage, fertility, muscle strength, and brain growth, and it could help us understand how this protein impacts health and disease for people like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston Children's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10818553 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the protein osteocalcin, which is primarily found in bone, and its potential roles as a hormone that may influence various bodily functions such as glucose metabolism, fat storage, fertility, muscle mass, and brain development. By studying different strains of osteocalcin knockout mice, the research aims to clarify conflicting results from previous studies regarding how osteocalcin affects these processes. The approach involves comparing the effects of genetic variations and environmental factors on the physiological roles of osteocalcin. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how osteocalcin influences health and disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include children and young adults with metabolic disorders, fertility issues, or cognitive challenges.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to bone health, metabolism, or cognitive function may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new understanding and treatments for conditions related to metabolism, fertility, and cognitive function.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying results regarding the role of osteocalcin, indicating that while this area of research has been explored, the findings remain inconclusive and warrant further investigation.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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.
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.