Using osteoclast-derived microvesicles to speed bone healing
Osteoclastic Regulation of Local Bone Formation
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · VA LOMA LINDA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM · NIH-11264887
This project aims to use tiny particles released by bone-resorbing cells to speed and strengthen healing in people with broken bones.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA LOMA LINDA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOMA LINDA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11264887 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have a broken bone, this project looks at tiny membrane-bound particles (microvesicles) released by osteoclasts — the cells that break down bone — to help form new bone in the fracture callus. Researchers will deliver these microvesicles locally into fractures in lab models to see whether they speed callus formation and remodeling. The work builds on early laboratory findings showing these vesicles can stimulate bone- and cartilage-forming cells and uses mouse fracture models to study how the process works. The long-term goal is to move toward treatments that could be applied near a break to shorten recovery and reduce nonunion.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with recent fractures—especially those at higher risk for delayed healing—who might be eligible for a localized regenerative treatment at the fracture site.
Not a fit: People with fractures caused by active bone infection, severe poor blood flow, or certain systemic conditions that block healing may not benefit from this local microvesicle therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could speed fracture healing, lower the risk of delayed union or nonunion, and shorten recovery times.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical animal and laboratory studies indicate osteoclast-derived microvesicles have pro-bone and pro-cartilage effects, but human testing of this approach is novel and unproven.
Where this research is happening
LOMA LINDA, UNITED STATES
- VA LOMA LINDA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM — LOMA LINDA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LAU, KIN-HING WILLIAM — VA LOMA LINDA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
- Study coordinator: LAU, KIN-HING WILLIAM
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 below.