Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) awarded a $372,171 Project Grant to The Research Foundation for the State University of New York (RF SUNY), effective June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2028, under the Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.846). The award funds research into the mechanistic investigation of galectin-3 (GAL3)-expressing macrophages in fracture callus fibrosis and dysfunctional bone repair. The primary deliverables include preclinical research findings, peer-reviewed publications, and experimental data validating the role of galectin-3 in mediating fibrosis and poor healing outcomes in high-strain fracture environments using murine fracture models.

The project encompasses two specific research aims: validation of galectin-3's role in fracture callus fibrosis and bone repair using genetically modified mice (galectin-3-deficient versus wild-type controls) with evaluation of fracture callus development, functional healing outcomes, and molecular fibrosis indicators; and assessment of the therapeutic potential of selvigaltin as a targeted intervention to improve bone repair. The research is designed to establish the biological mechanisms underlying strain-induced fibrosis and to develop targeted therapeutic strategies for enhancing bone healing in high-strain fracture environments, with work performed at the awardee's Buffalo, NY facility.