Blood energy markers linked to muscle strength, mobility, and aging
The relationship between blood based bioenergetics and muscle function, mobility, and aging
Researchers are looking at whether energy-related signals in blood cells relate to muscle strength and walking ability in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247050 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would give small blood samples so scientists can measure how well cell powerhouses (mitochondria) work using specialized lab tests on platelets and immune cells. They will compare those blood measurements with muscle strength and walking tests to see if blood markers track with or predict mobility loss as people age. The team combines two labs with different, validated lab methods (high-resolution respirometry and Seahorse extracellular flux) to get a broad picture of systemic bioenergetics. Results would come from observing participants over time rather than giving experimental treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults or people noticing age-related declines in strength or walking who can provide blood samples and complete physical performance tests.
Not a fit: Younger people without age-related mobility concerns or anyone unwilling to provide blood samples or do mobility testing are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to simple blood tests that help predict who is at risk for losing mobility so interventions can start earlier.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has linked muscle mitochondrial problems to mobility loss, but using blood-cell bioenergetic tests as practical biomarkers for aging-related mobility decline is a newer approach with promising preliminary data.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shiva, Sruti — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Shiva, Sruti
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 below.