Regulation of Bone Dynamics by Osteal Tissue Macrophages (Osteomacs) (2010-2013)
Abstract
There is a high demand for effective treatments to rebuild and replace lost bone in fracture repair and osteoporosis. We have described a discrete population of macrophages (classically immune defense cells) within the specialized tissues that line bones. We have shown that these bone tissue macrophages have a novel role in promoting the formation of new bone. This project grant will extend these observations and identify the clinical potential of bone tissue macrophages to treat bone disease.