# Biomolecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Diabetic Skeletal Fragility

> **NIH NIH K01** · UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS DARTMOUTH · 2022 · $100,281

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
This proposal includes a supplementary research plan that allows for successful completion of the PI’s original
5-year K01 project. The PI is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and a formal Research Collaborator at the Center for Advanced
Orthopaedic Studies (CAOS) at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). She is well supported by her
institution and devotes 75% effort to this project. The PI has mentors and collaborators with a wide array of
expertise to help her conduct her work and offer career guidance during this project. Her mentors and
collaborators have expertise in biomechanics, clinical issues in diabetes, cell and tissue culture methods, high-
resolution imaging, and molecular biology techniques. This project focuses on the causes of skeletal fragility in
type 2 diabetes, which are largely unknown. Deficits in bone matrix via the accumulation of advanced glycation
end-products and/or microarchitecture have been suggested to be potential mechanisms. The overall goal of
this project is to determine the underlying biomolecular and cellular mechanisms of diabetic skeletal fragility with
a specific focus during this supplemental 6-month period to successfully complete two of her original aims. These
two aims are: A) to determine the contribution of advanced glycation end-products, microdamage, and cortical
porosity to diabetic skeletal fragility, and B) to determine the effect of hyperglycemia and non-enzymatic glycation
on osteocyte activity. The candidate has already trained in several brand-new skills including measurement of
gene expression, cell and tissue culture methods, and other molecular biology related technologies as part of
her originally awarded K01 project. This K01 supplemental proposal will provide her with additional time and
resources (needed due to COVID-19 pandemic-related research hindrances) to successfully achieve these
goals.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10439180
- **Project number:** 3K01AR069685-05S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS DARTMOUTH
- **Principal Investigator:** Lamya Karim
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $100,281
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2021-06-26 → 2022-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10439180

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10439180, Biomolecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Diabetic Skeletal Fragility (3K01AR069685-05S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10439180. Licensed CC0.

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