Osteoporosis occurs when the body fails to replace old bone as it breaks down.
This causes bones to become brittle and weak, making them more susceptible to fractures and more difficult to heal. But there may be a way to prevent this.
Research points to a key mechanism for strengthening bones in the body, which can be targeted to treat osteoporosis.
A 2025 study led by scientists from the University of Leipzig in Germany and Shandong University in China identified the cell receptor GPR133 (also known as ADGRD1) as being important for bone density, by bone-building cells. They are called osteocytes.
Differences in GBR133 It was previously the gene It has been linked for bone density, prompting researchers to turn their attention to the protein it encodes.
The team conducted tests on mice in which the gene was either absent or could be activated using a chemical called AP503.
In absence GBR133 Gene, the mice grew up with weak bone-like symptoms From osteoporosis. However, when the receptor was present and activated by AP503, bone production and strength improved.
Watch the video below for a summary of the results:
“Using the substance AP503, which was recently identified via a computer-assisted screen as an inducer of GPR133, we were able to significantly increase bone strength in both healthy and osteoporotic mice.” He said University of Leipzig biochemist Ines Liebscher when the results were announced.
In these experiments, AP503 acts as a biological button that makes bone cells work harder. The researchers were also able to demonstrate that they can work in tandem With exercise To further strengthen bones.
Knowing that the cell receptor GPR133 is a crucial link in… Keep your mouse’s bones strong It is an important discovery. While the results are based on an animal model, the underlying processes are likely to be similar in humans.
“If this receptor is weakened due to genetic changes, mice show signs of bone density loss at an early age – similar to osteoporosis in humans.” He said To preach.
Osteoporosis is a serious condition that affects millions around the world. While available treatments can Slow the progression of the conditionThere is no way to reverse or cure the condition.
Current treatments also tend to be accompanied by serious side effects (such as increased risk of other diseases) or become less effective over time.
There actually is Many factors Which has an effect on bone strength, and this gives scientists plenty of scope to find ways This is ward off Issues such as osteoporosis and promoting healthy aging.
In 2024, scientists developed a blood-based transplant Which supercharges this mechanism for larger repair projects: broken bones. When skin tissue is injured, our blood Coagulation begins As part of Healing process.
The international team of researchers behind the transplant called it “BioregenerationMaterial: Synthetic peptides are used to improve the structure and function of the barrier that blood naturally forms when it clots.
In tests on mice, the gel-like material – which can be 3D printed – was effective in repairing bone damage. If this can be adapted and scaled up for human use, it has huge potential to enhance the body’s natural metabolism Healing processes.
“The possibility of easily and safely turning people’s blood into highly renewable implants is really exciting,” said biomedical engineer Cosimo Ligorio, from the University of Nottingham in the UK. He said When the 2024 study was published.
“Blood is practically free and can be easily obtained from patients in relatively large quantities.”
Scientists have long been interested in harnessing the body’s natural repair processes to improve medical treatments – whether they be Boost the immune systemor Enhancing natural materials With synthetic ingredients.
Our bodies are incredibly smart at repairing injuries and damage, but these repair processes can be stressful at times, and they tend to be become less effective As wear and tear resulting from aging negatively affects.
An additional recent finding in this area of research is the discovery of a new hormone in female mice Promotes the growth of amazingly strong and dense bones.
In another study published in 2024, a team led by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco identified a hormone called maternal brain hormone (MBH), which appears to boost bone density, mass, and strength in tests on male and female mice.
“When we tested these bones, they turned out to be much stronger than normal.” Stem cell Biologist Thomas Ambrosie of the University of California, Davis He explained When the results were published.
“We could never achieve this type of mineralization and healing results using any other strategy.”
While many of these discoveries have so far only been proven in animals, and have not yet been tested in humans, the potential for developing bone-strengthening medications in the future appears very promising.
The authors of the 2025 study hope that future treatments can be used to strengthen bones that are already healthy and build deteriorated bones back to full strength, as in cases of osteoporosis in women with osteoporosis. Going through menopause.
Related to: Medicines similar to Ozempic may increase your risk of bone and joint disease
“The newly demonstrated parallel strengthening of bone once again highlights the great potential this receptor holds for medical applications in the elderly.” He said Molecular biologist Juliane Lehmann, from the University of Leipzig.
The research was published in Signal transduction and targeted therapy.
A previous version of this article was published in September 2025.
