By increasing the activity of a protein called NFATc1 leads to massive bone accumulation in mice. This finding by Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) researchers suggests a good target for drugs in treating osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis occurs when the bone degradation (by cells called osteoclasts) and formation (by cells called osteoblasts) balance is upset where more bone is degraded than formed, thereby increasing the risk of fractures.

In lieu of the NFATc1 finding, the researchers are now screening chemical libraries for small molecules that could increase NFATc just enough to promote bone formation in people with osteoporosis, without causing undesirable side effects.

Read more at HHMI News.