Identification of New Biomarkers and Potential Therapeutic Targets in Clinical Osteoporosis Using Omics Technologies
Conditions: Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal, Osteoporosis Fracture, Osteoporosis, Severe
Sponsor: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Title: New Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Osteoporosis via Omics 
Technologies 
Acronym: OsteOmics 
Keywords: Osteoporosis, Bone Remodeling, Clinical Osteoporotic Models, 
Proteomics, Metabolomics, Biomarkers, Pathogenic Mechanisms 
Coordinator: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), 
Duration: 18 months 
Scientific Field: Medicine and Health Sciences 
 
Summary of the Research Proposal: 
Osteoporosis is a common bone disease characterized by decreased bone strength, 
leading to an increased risk of fractures. Affecting approximately 200 million patients 
worldwide, osteoporosis poses significant socioeconomic challenges and severe 
health impacts. The disease predominantly affects postmenopausal women due to the 
sharp decline in estrogen levels, crucial for maintaining bone density. However, it 
also occurs in men, especially the elderly. Early diagnosis is critical as osteoporosis 
often remains undetected until fractures occur, significantly impacting the quality of 
life and increasing mortality risk. 
Study Objectives: 
1. Proteomic and Metabolomic Analysis: 
o Clinical Samples: Collect bone and serum samples from 
postmenopausal women with osteoporotic fractures and controls with 
hip osteoarthritis. Perform proteomic and metabolomic analyses to find 
disease-specific biomarkers and therapeutic targets. 
2. Identification of New Biomarkers: 
o Identify proteins and metabolites that significantly differ between 
osteoporosis and control groups. 
o Correlate omics data with clinical markers of bone metabolism (e.g., 
CTX, PINP). 
3. Pathophysiological Mechanisms: 
o Explore the underlying mechanisms of bone loss and remodeling in 
osteoporosis. 
o Develop a panel of potential omics biomarkers for osteoporosis. 
4. Therapeutic Target Identification: 
o Use the data to evaluate new pharmacological targets for osteoporosis 
treatment at the clinical level. 
 
 

Research Methodology: 
 
Omics Technologies: Employ proteomics and metabolomics for a non-
targeted analysis of bone, plasma, and serum samples. 
 
Data Integration: Combine omics results with clinical data to create 
comprehensive profiles of osteoporosis. 
 
Clinical Studies: Utilize human clinical samples to validate findings and 
identify potential interventions. 
Expected Outcomes: 
 
Enhanced understanding of osteoporosis mechanisms. 
 
Identification of novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis. 
 
Development of targeted therapies based on identified biomarkers and 
disrupted pathways. 
Contact Information: 
 
Central Contact Person: Efstathios Chronopoulos 
o Telephone: 00306944837793 
o Email: stathi24@yahoo.gr 
 
Backup Contact: Stavros Lykos 
o Telephone: 00306978695466 
o Email: lykosstavros@gmail.com 
 
Study Location: Laboratory for Research of the Musculoskeletal System, 
Kifisiá, Attica, Greece, 14561 
 
Recruitment Status: Recruiting