Dusp4’s role in helping skeletal muscle cope with atrophy
Official title: The Functional Role of Dusp4 in Skeletal Muscle
Funded at University of North Florida · NIH-11333344 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study looking at how the Dusp4 gene affects muscle wasting and growth, with potential implications for conditions that cause muscle loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jacksonville, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $180,007 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM154710-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11333344 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with or at risk of muscle atrophy due to aging, nerve injury, or conditions that affect muscle mass, who may contribute samples or participate in related future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without muscle wasting conditions or those not suitable for the proposed models may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how the Dusp4 gene, a regulator of MAP kinase signaling, influences muscle size by balancing protein breakdown and building. Researchers will examine how Dusp4 behaves during nerve injury–induced atrophy and whether manipulating it can affect muscle recovery. The work combines animal models and molecular analyses to understand pathways that control autophagy and protein degradation in muscle cells. If successful, findings could point to new approaches to prevent or reduce muscle loss in people with aging or nerve-related muscle weakness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If proven, targeting Dusp4 could lead to therapies that preserve or restore muscle mass in patients at risk of atrophy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows MAP kinase pathways influence muscle growth and autophagy, suggesting this approach is plausibly beneficial but still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Florida
Jacksonville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Waddell, David Scott — University of North Florida
- Study coordinator: Waddell, David Scott
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.