P20GM139760

Delaware Center for Musculoskeletal Research - Project Summary/Abstract

The musculoskeletal system has both mechanical and biological functions. It generates, transmits, and supports forces, and it regulates organ-level homeostasis and whole-body metabolism. The mechanics and biology of the musculoskeletal system are inextricably intertwined and long-ranging.

Mechanical cues, molecular signals, and cell interactions affect each other across multiple scales, from the body to organ, tissue, cell, and molecule levels. Progress in musculoskeletal research depends on addressing the mechanics and biology of adjacent organs and evaluating the effects of injury as well as aging.

Identifying the mechanisms underlying musculoskeletal health and musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle wasting, post-traumatic repair, degeneration) therefore requires a research paradigm that addresses the synergies within the musculoskeletal system and combines both mechanical and biological approaches across multiple scales.

The Delaware Center for Musculoskeletal Research (DCMR) will support basic and preclinical research on the central theme of musculoskeletal health. This includes understanding the mechanisms by which physical and biological cues influence tissue structure and normal function and dysfunction, and identifying potential therapeutic interventions.

The proposed DCMR will:

AIM 1: Accelerate fundamental musculoskeletal research by supporting synergistic and multidisciplinary research projects.

AIM 2: Galvanize capabilities for musculoskeletal research by establishing a multiscale assessments research core.

AIM 3: Amplify the impact of musculoskeletal research through faculty mentoring, expansion, and retention.

Completion of this 5-year Phase I COBRE will build cross-cutting and synergistic research collaborations across multi-scale and multidisciplinary research projects and establish a state-of-the-art research core.

The DCMR, which will focus on fundamental discovery and preclinical research, will complement the outstanding translational and clinical musculoskeletal research programs at Delaware, creating a comprehensive basic-to-clinical research pipeline at UD.

Through fostering cross-cutting and convergent research partnerships, the DCMR aims to substantially reduce the burden of musculoskeletal disorders and improve musculoskeletal health.

University Of Delaware

THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES (NIGMS) SUPPORTS BASIC RESEARCH THAT INCREASES OUR UNDERSTANDING OF BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES AND LAYS THE FOUNDATION FOR ADVANCES IN DISEASE DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND PREVENTION. NIGMS ALSO SUPPORTS RESEARCH IN SPECIFIC CLINICAL AREAS THAT AFFECT MULTIPLE ORGAN SYSTEMS: ANESTHESIOLOGY AND PERI-OPERATIVE PAIN, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ?COMMON TO MULTIPLE DRUGS AND TREATMENTS, AND INJURY, CRITICAL ILLNESS, SEPSIS, AND WOUND HEALING.? NIGMS-FUNDED SCIENTISTS INVESTIGATE HOW LIVING SYSTEMS WORK AT A RANGE OF LEVELSFROM MOLECULES AND CELLS TO TISSUES AND ORGANSIN RESEARCH ORGANISMS, HUMANS, AND POPULATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, TO ENSURE THE VITALITY AND CONTINUED PRODUCTIVITY OF THE RESEARCH ENTERPRISE, NIGMS PROVIDES LEADERSHIP IN SUPPORTING THE TRAINING OF THE NEXT GENERATION OF SCIENTISTS, ENHANCING THE DIVERSITY OF THE SCIENTIFIC WORKFORCE, AND DEVELOPING RESEARCH CAPACITY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY.

93.859 - Biomedical Research and Research Training

National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) [HHS - NIH]

Delaware United States

State-Wide

Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) Phase 1 (P20 - Clinical Trial Optional) (PAR-19-313)

Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been extended from 01/31/26 to 01/31/27 and the total obligations have increased 510% from $2,350,090 to $14,347,054.