Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Research for stronger bones and muscles in old age

Scientists at Leipzig University have discovered that the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor GPR133 plays a central role in building and maintaining healthy bone. By mimicking natural activation, a new active substance AP503 can strengthen bones and potentially treat osteoporosis.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2025

Novel molecular insights into bone remodeling

Researchers identify Fam102a as a key regulator of both osteoclast and osteoblast differentiation, leading to enhanced osteoblast formation and bone volume. The study reveals significant protein-protein interactions involving Fam102a and Kpna2, shedding light on the critical molecular interactions involved in bone remodeling.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2025

$2.4 million grant helping MCG scientists better understand what happens to our skeleton as we age

Researchers are studying the role of stress hormones and mineralocorticoid receptors in bone health as we age. The goal is to understand how balance between these factors affects our skeletons. By investigating this complex relationship, scientists hope to develop new insights into osteoporosis and other age-related bone disorders.

New insights into osteoporosis

A research team from Osaka University identified a key osteoporosis-related gene, Men1, and developed a new animal model of the disease. The study found that inactivation of Men1 led to cellular senescence in osteoblasts, reducing bone formation activity and increasing bone resorption.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2024

Opto-RANK: A light switch for osteoclasts

Scientists from Tokyo Medical and Dental University have created Opto-RANK, a light-activated form of RANK that can induce osteoclast differentiation. The treatment approach uses blue light activation to stimulate local bone resorption, making it a promising tool for treating abnormal calcification diseases and orthodontic issues.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 21, 2024

Could blood marker predict the risk of osteoporotic hip fracture in men?

A study found that elevated blood levels of chemokine CXCL9 predict the risk of osteoporotic hip fracture in men. Researchers discovered a significant association between CXCL9 and hip fractures in a cohort of Chinese men, highlighting the potential for early interventions targeting CXCL9 to prevent hip fractures.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateAug 17, 2022

Predicting the risk of osteoporotic hip fracture in men using blood markers

Researchers found that CXCL9 levels were higher in pre-fracture blood samples of Chinese men with subsequent hip fractures, improving the prediction of osteoporotic hip fracture risk in men. In contrast, no association was found between CXCL10 and hip fracture risk in either gender.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 12, 2022

Living in a microbial world: The healthy oral microbiome contributes to jaw bone health by influencing immune cell interactions with bone cells

A recent study found that a subset of immune cells within the alveolar bone marrow were activated by the presence of commensal oral microbes, leading to increased osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and bone loss. Reducing the burden of commensal microbes through oral antiseptic rinses can help protect against alveolar bone loss.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJCI Insight·DateFeb 16, 2022

Immune cell receptor and ligand regulation: A therapeutic avenue for inflammatory diseases

A study by Tokyo University of Science researchers identifies a novel regulatory axis targeting dendritic cell activity, suppressing autoimmune disease symptoms and bone loss. They discovered DCIR binds to glycoproteins on macrophages and osteoclasts, reducing inflammation and immune responses.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

Potential cellular target for eliminating bone breakdown in osteoporosis found

A recent study has discovered a cell type that governs bone formation and maintenance, shedding light on the mechanisms behind osteoporosis. Researchers found that bone marrow adipogenic lineage precursors (MALPs) play a distinct role in regulating bone remodeling, and targeting these cells could lead to more effective therapies.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 20, 2020

Down to the bone: Understanding how bone-dissolving cells are generated

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science discovered the significance of protein Cpeb4 in the formation of osteoclasts, bone-dissolving cells responsible for osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that Cpeb4 plays a critical role in osteoclast differentiation, with its relocalization to nuclei influencing cell behavior.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateJun 9, 2020

Study finds evidence that a protein, MCP-1, may determine bone loss responses to parathyroid hormone

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) plays a crucial role in bone loss responses to parathyroid hormone (PTH) in hyperparathyroidism. Elevated MCP-1 levels have been correlated with elevated serum PTH levels, and its presence may serve as a marker for PTH's effects in humans.

SourceNew York University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 6, 2017

Gravitational biology

Researchers found immediate changes in gene expression of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in medaka fish exposed to microgravity. The study suggests a new area of research in gravitational biology, exploring the molecular mechanisms behind bone structure changes.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 10, 2017

Fishing for answers on bone loss in space

Researchers aboard the International Space Station reared small freshwater fish for 56 days to investigate microgravity's effects on bone density. The study found increased osteoclast activity and reduced bone mineral density in the fish, suggesting a potential link between mitochondria dysfunction and osteoporosis.

SourceNASA/Johnson Space Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 25, 2016

Alzheimer's drug could prevent bone fractures

Researchers found that the Alzheimer's drug donepezil increases bone mass in mice by preventing osteoclasts from being made, reducing the risk of bone fractures. The study suggests that treating Alzheimer's disease with donepezil may also be beneficial for patients with osteoporosis.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeliyon·DateSep 21, 2015

JCI early table of contents for Dec. 9, 2013

Researchers discovered an association between oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG) levels and DNA methylation patterns with breast cancer prognosis. Chloroquine treatment was found to limit osteoclast generation, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 9, 2013

Measles virus plays role in Paget's disease of bone, Pitt-led team says

A team of researchers led by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has confirmed that a gene from the measles virus plays a key role in the development of Paget's disease of bone. The study found that osteoclasts in affected patients express a viral protein, leading to characteristic bone lesions and increased risk of fracture.

JCI online early table of contents: Sept. 14, 2009

Researchers have found that T cells from individuals with X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP) are resistant to cell death triggered by repeated stimulation of a cell surface protein complex, leading to uncontrolled expansion upon infection. Additionally, a molecular regulatory network controlled by the protein SPDEF governs alle...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 14, 2009