As a trained physician in the field of pediatric endocrine, I have directed my clinical and research specialization on the endocrine disorders associated with cystic fibrosis (CF). This work is the product of multiple years of self-directed and mentored training in both the laboratory and clinical setting. It is through these efforts that I have collected evidence to support this proposal. Recent data suggests that an underlying defect exists in bone metabolism of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) deficient mice. This echoes recent findings identifying CFTR in cells responsible for human bone metabolism. CF has a pronounced incidence of osteoporosis. Additionally, this increased disease rate has grown as the life expectancy increased. Although a limited number of potential mechanisms underlying this observation have been identified and explored, its pathogenesis remains largely unknown. It is our belief that defects in bone metabolism exist secondary to absence of CFTR function. Within this model, the proposed mechanism of action involves differentiation and regulation of cells responsible for bone turnover;namely osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The model also concedes other influences, such as absence of anabolic stimuli found in both clinical CF and the Cftr-deficient (Cftr-/-) mouse, would contribute and worsen the bone mineral disease profile. To identify involvement of CFTR in relation to bone mineral disease, we will test the hypothesis that the absence of CFTR interferes with normal evolution and function of cells responsible for bone metabolism. This hypothesis will be tested by performance of three specific aims.
The first aim addresses the impact of CFTR on osteoblast and osteoclast cellular activity at baseline in Cftr-deficient mice.
The second aim determines the contribution of isolated CFTR deficiency, through use of a CFTR cell type-specific conditional knockout in osteoblasts and osteoclasts.
The third aim further delineates the systemic role of CFTR deficiency, after correction at the osteoblast and osteoclast level through bone marrow transfer. This proposed career development award will provide the necessary time allotment and additional training to launch my work into the field of metabolic bone disease. Additionally, the proposed plan will lay indispensable groundwork into the understanding of CF bone disease and the impact of CFTR on bone metabolism.

Public Health Relevance

As the life expectancy of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) continues to grow, metabolic bone disease (referred to as CF related bone disease) has become one of the leading complications. This proposal will improve our understanding of the processes of bone formation and breakdown, studied through influences of the CF gene defect. This awareness will benefit the future care of individuals with CF, but also the overall comprehension of bone health and osteoporosis.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Clinical Investigator Award (CIA) (K08)
Project #
1K08DK094784-01
Application #
8189919
Study Section
Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Special Grants Review Committee (AMS)
Program Officer
Hyde, James F
Project Start
2011-08-08
Project End
2011-08-22
Budget Start
2011-08-08
Budget End
2011-08-22
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$1
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester
Department
Type
Organized Research Units
DUNS #
603847393
City
Worcester
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
01655
Leung, Daniel H; Heltshe, Sonya L; Borowitz, Drucy et al. (2017) Effects of Diagnosis by Newborn Screening for Cystic Fibrosis on Weight and Length in the First Year of Life. JAMA Pediatr 171:546-554
Stalvey, Michael S; Clines, Gregory A (2013) Cystic fibrosis-related bone disease: insights into a growing problem. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 20:547-52
Stalvey, Michael S; Clines, Katrina L; Havasi, Viktoria et al. (2013) Osteoblast CFTR inactivation reduces differentiation and osteoprotegerin expression in a mouse model of cystic fibrosis-related bone disease. PLoS One 8:e80098