The objective of this Diversity Supplement is to support a one-year postbaccalaureate research experience for Ernesto Morfin Montes de Oca. Morfin Montes de Oca is a URM bachelor?s degree holder who is applying to enter into an MD program in the fall of 2021. The goal of the parent grant (R01 AR074417) is to understand genetic risk factors for osteoporosis to identify new drug targets to reduce this massive health burden. Mr. Morfin Montes de Oca?s work will supplement SubAim1A of the parent grant, which is to identify novel genes regulating bone mass and mineral accrual at bone mineral density (BMD)-associated loci in a reverse genetic screen. As it relates to the parent grant, Mr. Morfin Montes de Oca will screen genes that are complementary to the set being tested in the parent grant. These genes were selected to support the hypothesis that genetic influence on BMD is determined in part by genes that function in a paracrine or endocrine manner. The career development plan is tailored to Mr. Morfin Montes de Oca?s career goal of becoming a clinician-scientist. The plan includes regular PI meetings, presentations at research clubs, attendance of national conferences, and clinical mentoring activities. The expected impact of this project is that Mr. Morfin Montes de Oca will gain new research skills, knowledge, and experience that will increase his competitiveness for medical school and facilitate his development as a clinician-scientist.
By 2050, osteoporosis is expected to affect >50% of Americans over the age of 50; further, osteoporotic hip fracture incidence is expected to increase by >200% compared to rates in 1990. Recent studies have identified a large number of loci associated with bone mineral density (BMD), an important clinical marker for osteoporosis diagnosis. This project aims to define causal genes at these loci to understand their biological mechanisms, and in turn, identify new drug targets for osteoporosis therapies.
