AAV-based gene silencing to protect muscles during disuse (pilot study)
Official title: AAV-Mediated Gene Silencing in Hibernating Muscle: A Pilot Study to Validate RBM3 Protection Against Disuse Atrophy
Funded at University of Alaska Fairbanks · NIH-11336137 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A short pilot project uses a viral gene-silencing approach to help protect muscles from wasting when a person cannot move much.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alaska Fairbanks NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fairbanks, United States) |
| Project start | July 16, 2019 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $229,818 |
| NIH project number | 2P20GM130443-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11336137 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at risk of disuse atrophy due to immobilization or prolonged bed rest.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a risk of muscle loss from inactivity or those not suitable for gene therapy approaches may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how certain genes may help muscles stay strong during long periods of bed rest or immobilization, inspired by how hibernating Arctic ground squirrels avoid muscle loss. Researchers will use an AAV-based vector to silence specific targets believed to regulate muscle preservation. The work builds on previous findings that AGS muscles resist atrophy and show protective gene activity during hibernation. The aim is to translate these natural muscle-preservation mechanisms into potential therapies for humans facing prolonged inactivity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new strategies to prevent muscle loss during bed rest or immobilization.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in AGS show natural muscle preservation pathways; translating these findings to humans is promising but still early.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goropashnaya, Anna — University of Alaska Fairbanks
- Study coordinator: Goropashnaya, Anna
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.