# Delaware Center for Musculoskeletal Research

> **NIH NIH P20** · UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE · 2021 · $2,350,090

## Abstract

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, where 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—from the level of the entire body to the actions
of key cells and molecules—with emphasis on 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.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10091019
- **Project number:** 1P20GM139760-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE
- **Principal Investigator:** DAWN M ELLIOTT
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $2,350,090
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-02-15 → 2026-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10091019

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10091019, Delaware Center for Musculoskeletal Research (1P20GM139760-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10091019. Licensed CC0.

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