Boosting muscle stem cells to help older adults recover strength
Control of Muscle Stem Cells to Enhance Regeneration
['FUNDING_R01'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11243510
This project looks for ways to strengthen certain muscle stem cells so older adults with age-related muscle loss can regain muscle and recover better after injury.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11243510 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use a cell surface marker called CD47 and advanced single-cell laboratory methods to separate resilient muscle stem cells from dysfunctional ones in aging muscle. They will examine individual stem cells to understand why some keep working well while others lose function with age. Using those findings, the team will try strategies to boost the activity of the resilient cells and improve muscle repair in older muscle. The work combines laboratory experiments with samples and approaches tied to human aging and is led at Stanford University.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults experiencing age-related muscle loss, weakness, or poor recovery after injury are the most likely candidates to benefit or be involved in related future studies.
Not a fit: People whose muscle problems are caused primarily by genetic muscular dystrophies, nerve damage, or unrelated medical conditions may not benefit from this line of work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that restore muscle repair and reduce age-related muscle weakness in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Recent single-cell studies have revealed differences among muscle stem cells and some lab-based approaches show promise, but turning these findings into proven treatments for older people is still in early stages.
Where this research is happening
STANFORD, UNITED STATES
- STANFORD UNIVERSITY — STANFORD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BLAU, HELEN M — STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: BLAU, HELEN M
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.