# Center for Musculoskeletal Disease Research (CMDR)

> **NIH NIH P20** · UNIV OF ARKANSAS FOR MED SCIS · 2024 · $2,295,000

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT - OVERALL
 Conditions such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, and malignancies such as breast cancer, negatively
affect the musculoskeletal system, leading to substantial disability and health care costs. Thus, there is an
ongoing need to better understand the causes of these conditions and to support development of more effective
and well-tolerated therapies. The Center for Musculoskeletal Disease Research (CMDR) was established at the
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) during Phase 1 to meet this need. The scientific theme of
the CMDR is that identification of molecular contributors to musculoskeletal dysfunction and disease will guide
development of effective therapies. To study these conditions, we have assembled teams of junior and
established investigators and supported development of junior investigators to the point of achieving independent
R01-level funding. We also utilize state-of-the-art technologies to analyze gene expression, genetically
manipulate animals, and analyze the skeleton. These complementary approaches, together with access to
clinical investigators and patient samples, have synergized to create a unique and productive research
environment. A key to the continued success of the Center will be to increase the number of investigators whose
research is aligned with our scientific theme via development of more junior investigators and recruitment of new
and established investigators. To accomplish this, in Phase 2 we propose to support the development of 3 Project
Leaders by providing structured mentoring, financial resources, and collaboration with other CMDR investigators
(Aim 1). We will also continue to strengthen the biomedical research infrastructure at UAMS by increasing the
capabilities and utilization of 4 research cores that provide access to rapid, high-quality services and that develop
new approaches, such as CRISPR interference for in vivo loss-of-function studies (Aim 2). To continue building
a critical mass of musculoskeletal investigators and teams, the Center will utilize a Pilot Project Program, targeted
recruitment of investigators with complementary expertise, and incorporation of new and established center
investigators into synergistic and productive research teams (Aim 3). Successful implementation of this
Organization and Management Plan will, in the long-term, lead to a self-sustaining Center of Biomedical
Research Excellence that will generate novel and important results leading to more effective therapies for the
numerous conditions that involve the musculoskeletal system.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10814741
- **Project number:** 5P20GM125503-07
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF ARKANSAS FOR MED SCIS
- **Principal Investigator:** CHARLES A O'BRIEN
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $2,295,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-02-16 → 2028-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10814741

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10814741, Center for Musculoskeletal Disease Research (CMDR) (5P20GM125503-07). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10814741. Licensed CC0.

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