Birmingham researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of bone repair, with the identification of a naturally-occurring peptide called PEPITEM that shows great promise as a new therapeutic for osteoporosis and other conditions involving bone loss.
PEPITEM, short for Peptide Inhibitor of Trans-Endothelial Migration, was first discovered by University of Birmingham researchers in 2015. In a recent study published in Cell Reports Medicine, the researchers have demonstrated that PEPITEM could potentially serve as a novel clinical intervention to combat age-related musculoskeletal diseases.
The research revealed that PEPITEM enhances bone mineralization, formation, and strength, effectively reversing bone loss in animal models of disease. This peptide acts by regulating the complex interplay between osteoblasts and osteoclasts, the two cell types responsible for bone formation and breakdown.
Current therapies for osteoporosis primarily target osteoclasts to prevent further bone loss. However, existing treatments have limitations, such as teriparatide and romosozumab, which are only effective for a limited time and may be associated with adverse events.
Given the limitations of current treatments, the discovery of PEPITEM as a potential therapeutic agent for bone repair is significant. Dr. Helen McGettrick, Dr. Amy Naylor, Dr. Jonathan Lewis, Kathryn Frost from the University of Birmingham, and Dr. James Edwards from the University of Oxford led the research team in exploring the therapeutic potential of PEPITEM in musculoskeletal diseases.
PEPITEM is a naturally occurring peptide found in low levels in the body. The research findings suggest that increasing the levels of PEPITEM could stimulate bone mineralization, particularly in ‘young bones’ that are not affected by disease.
This discovery opens up new possibilities for the development of targeted therapies for age-related musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoporosis. By harnessing the potential of PEPITEM, researchers aim to address the unmet needs in bone repair and provide more effective treatments for patients suffering from bone-related disorders.
