Quieting cells' low-oxygen alarm stops flare-ups in rare bone disorder

(University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine) The cellular response to the lack of oxygen fans the flames of flare-ups in a rare bone disorder. In fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, a mutation triggers bone growth in muscles, which limits motion, breathing, and swallowing, among a host of progressive symptoms. The study identifies HIF-1α as a therapeutic target for stopping the extra bone growth in FOP and other disorders.