Endocrine role of intramuscular fat in muscular dystrophy
Official title: Intramuscular fat and endocrine signaling in muscular dystrophy
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11460264 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how fat that builds up inside muscles in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy may release hormones that affect overall health, especially metabolism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $381,527 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AR088153-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11460264 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy or related skeletal muscle degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without muscular dystrophy or related conditions may not benefit.
What this research studies
In people with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy, muscles are replaced by fat inside the muscles (IMAT). We plan to explore whether this IMAT acts like an endocrine tissue by releasing signals into the bloodstream that could influence whole‑body metabolism. The study will measure circulating adipokines and relate them to muscle fat levels seen on MRI, aiming to understand systemic health consequences. The work is led by a team at the University of Florida to uncover new links between muscle degeneration and metabolic dysfunction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could identify new targets to protect metabolic health in dystrophinopathies.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest circulating adipokines rise with disease severity, supporting a potential endocrine role for IMAT.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barnard, Alison M — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Barnard, Alison M
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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.