Understanding why extra bone forms after injuries and surgeries
Official title: The Role of Extracellular Matrix Dysregulation in Heterotopic Ossification
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11399499 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how and why abnormal bone grows in soft tissues after injuries or surgeries, with a focus on Veterans who face higher risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2BX005401-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11399499 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with a high risk of heterotopic ossification, including veterans and patients undergoing traumatic injuries or orthopedic surgeries.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without risk factors for HO or those not undergoing procedures associated with HO formation are unlikely to benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at the biological signals that cause bone to form where it should not, aiming to pinpoint the molecules and pathways involved. By examining tissue samples and models, scientists hope to map how healing processes go awry in heterotopic ossification. The findings could point to new, targeted treatments to prevent HO after injuries or orthopedic procedures. The work is led by the Veterans Health Administration in Nashville, focusing on a population with high HO risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted therapies that reduce HO risk and improve recovery and quality of life for patients after injuries or surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have identified mechanisms behind HO, but targeted therapies are not yet established, so this remains an active area with potential for breakthrough.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peck, Sun H — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Peck, Sun H
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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.