Using immune system modulation to improve bone healing with lower doses of BMPs
Official title: Evaluating the role of immunomodulation in synergizing BMP-induced bone repair
Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-10728000 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help bones heal better by using special proteins and tiny particles that can change how bone cells work, which could mean less medicine is needed and fewer side effects for people with bone injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tempe, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $351,977 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AR083097-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10728000 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions requiring bone regeneration, such as fractures or bone defects.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable bone conditions that do not require surgical intervention or bone healing may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance bone repair by combining bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) with immune-modulating microparticles. The goal is to achieve effective bone regeneration at lower BMP doses, reducing potential side effects and costs. The study will utilize innovative hydrogels to deliver BMPs and these microparticles, which release a substance that influences bone cell behavior. By examining the effects of this combination in laboratory and animal models, the research aims to find a more effective treatment for bone healing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatments for patients needing bone repair.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using immunomodulation to enhance bone healing, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Tempe, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holloway, Julianne Leigh — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Holloway, Julianne Leigh
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how herpesviruses move and exit cells (focus on HSV-1 and PRV)
Scientists are studying how herpesviruses travel inside nerve cells and exit at the right spots, which could lead to better prevention and treatment of infections in people and animals.
-
Whole Protein Arrays to Find Antibodies Linked to Islet Autoimmunity in a Big Birth Cohort
This NIH grant aims to map antibodies against many microbes in children from the TEDDY study to understand what infections might be linked to the development of type 1 diabetes.
-
Climate heat and Alzheimer's risk in older adults
Heat exposure may influence brain health and dementia risk in older adults living in the United States.
-
Certified Cancer Registry Extraction with Proof-Certified Trust
A new AI-powered system helps cancer registries extract standardized data from medical records more accurately and with formal proofs to ensure trust.
-
Demystifying E. coli ecosystems with synthetic microbial communities
A project builds controlled, synthetic E. coli communities to uncover how different interactions shape colony behavior and health-related outcomes.
-
Aflatoxin exposure and child growth in Guatemala
A study in rural Guatemala will track how exposure to aflatoxin relates to growth and gut health in young children.
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.