Activin signaling in muscles, aging, and weight loss
Official title: Role of Activin Type II Receptor Signaling in Muscle Physiology, Weight Loss and Aging
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11446314 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to understand how activin signals in muscle affect aging, weight loss, and daily function, especially in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $644,239 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG094130-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11446314 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research targets adults and aged populations, particularly those at risk of muscle loss during obesity treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not receiving GLP-1/GIP-based therapies or not affected by age-related muscle loss may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how muscle biology changes when aging and obesity treatments interact, focusing on activin pathways in fat and muscle. It uses animal models and researchers’ insights to explore how weight loss medicines may impact lean mass and function in older individuals. The goal is to identify strategies that preserve muscle while helping people lose fat during anti-obesity therapy. The study is led by the University of Pennsylvania and will inform safer, more effective treatments for aging patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could improve weight loss therapies by preserving or increasing muscle, supporting older adults in maintaining strength and daily functioning.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows GLP-1/GIP agonists drive fat loss but may reduce lean mass; this project tests how to mitigate that loss.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baur, Joseph a. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Baur, Joseph a.
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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.