Vitamin D and beta‑amyloid effects on overactive parathyroid glands
Vitamin D and beta-amyloid signaling in hyperparathyroidism
Researchers are exploring whether low vitamin D and beta‑amyloid signaling make parathyroid glands overactive in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11514221 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how low vitamin D and related signaling pathways contribute to hyperparathyroidism, a condition where the parathyroid glands oversecrete parathyroid hormone (PTH). The team will examine molecular signals in parathyroid tissue and lab models, focusing on the vitamin D receptor, the calcium‑sensing receptor, GABAB1 receptor interactions, ADAM10, and beta‑amyloid pathways. They plan to combine experiments in the lab with analysis of human parathyroid samples to identify the steps that drive excess PTH production. The findings aim to point to biological targets that could one day lead to treatments to protect bone and muscle in older adults.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for related participation would be older adults with primary hyperparathyroidism or low vitamin D who can provide tissue samples or join observational studies.
Not a fit: People without parathyroid disease or those needing immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic-research focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to reduce excess parathyroid hormone and help prevent bone loss, muscle weakness, and fractures.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies link vitamin D and the calcium‑sensing receptor to parathyroid control and the group's prior findings on GABAB1 receptor interactions are promising, but connecting beta‑amyloid signaling to hyperparathyroidism is a newer idea that needs more proof.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koh, James — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Koh, James
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.