Intersections of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva and Traumatic Heterotopic Ossification

Conan Juan, Alec C. Bancroft, Ji Hae Choi, Johanna H. Nunez, Chase A. Pagani, Yen Sheng Lin, Edward C. Hsiao, Benjamin Levi

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a debilitating pathology where ectopic bone develops in areas of soft tissue. HO can develop as a consequence of traumatic insult or as a result of dysregulated osteogenic signaling, as in the case of the orphan disease fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). Traumatic HO (tHO) formation is mediated by the complex interplay of signaling between progenitor, inflammatory, and nerve cells, among others, making it a challenging process to understand. Research into the pathogenesis of genetically mediated HO (gHO) in FOP has established a pathway involving uninhibited activin-like kinase 2 receptor (ALK2) signaling that leads to downstream osteogenesis. Current methods of diagnosis and treatment lag behind pre-mature HO detection and progressive HO accumulation, resulting in irreversible decreases in range of motion and chronic pain for patients. As such, it is necessary to draw on advancements made in the study of tHO and gHO to better diagnose, comprehend, prevent, and treat both.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number349
JournalBiomolecules
Volume14
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2024

Keywords

  • ACVR2
  • ALK2
  • ectopic bone
  • fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva
  • heterotopic ossification
  • trauma

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Intersections of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva and Traumatic Heterotopic Ossification'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this