Circadian clocks and muscle fats: how timing keeps mitochondria healthy as we age
Official title: Circadian regulation of mitochondrial function by muscle RORs to promote healthy aging
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11397528 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in adults will test how circadian timing in muscles affects mitochondrial function to support healthy aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,521,975 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AG089967-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11397528 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years or older who are living with aging-related muscle and metabolic considerations and are eligible for participation in related human studies or trials.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals with conditions unrelated to circadian biology or without access to follow-on studies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how the circadian clock in muscle controls mitochondria and aging in adults. Using a muscle-specific mouse model and human-relevant data, researchers will examine ROR proteins and an agonist called Nobiletin to see how they influence muscle energy and overall fitness as people age. The goal is to identify timing-based strategies that could help people maintain strong muscles and fewer age-related health problems. The work combines molecular timing, muscle biology, and aging outcomes to point toward practical approaches for healthier aging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to timing-based interventions that help people maintain muscle function and reduce age-related health risks.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical work has shown that circadian rhythms and ROR signaling influence muscle mitochondria and aging, with promising results using Nobiletin in aged models.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Zheng — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Chen, Zheng
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
MyGoals for Healthy Aging among people at risk for Alzheimer’s dementia
A multi-center trial tests whether a combined program addressing poverty-related stress and executive function can slow aging and reduce risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease in adults.
-
Healthy aging in Black adults and its links to dementia risk
This grant follows a large group of Black adults to understand how aging, brain health, and life experiences influence Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
-
How early-life spending shape aging and dementia risk later in life
A Stanford-led study looks at how state and county spending in childhood may influence midlife thinking skills and the risk of dementia in later life.
-
Costa Rica long-lived older adults follow-up (Wave 4)
We will re-contact Costa Rican adults aged 70 and older (and their spouses) to collect health, thinking, and blood information to find what helps people live longer and stay mentally sharp.
-
Mapping tiny blood vessels in the brain's memory area and how they relate to Alzheimer's changes
Researchers are using ultra-high-resolution brain scans and tissue staining to map tiny blood vessels in the entorhinal cortex to learn how those patterns relate to Alzheimer's disease.
-
The chemical language of human gut bacteria and aging
A Duke University study will look at how healthy aging is linked to molecules produced by gut bacteria, with a focus on people who might be at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
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.