By identifying a protein that acts as the body’s “exercise sensor,” the research has opened the door to the development of drugs that mimic the effects of physical activity, offering hope for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, bedridden patients and those with chronic illnesses who face a high risk of fractures. The research findings were published in the journal Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy.

“Osteoporosis and age-related bone loss affect millions worldwide, often leaving elderly and bedridden patients vulnerable to fractures and loss of independence,” said Professor Xu Aimin, Director of the State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Chair Professor in the Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed, who led the study.