Exploring how birds recover muscle mass after weight loss
Official title: A novel multi-omics approach to explore mechanisms of lean mass recovery
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-11089799 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how migratory birds lose and regain muscle to help us understand cachexia, a condition that causes severe weight loss in people with serious illnesses like cancer and heart failure, with the hope of finding new ways to help those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $421,829 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM158284-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089799 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from cachexia related to conditions such as cancer, heart failure, or other chronic diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable weight and no signs of muscle wasting may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates cachexia, a condition causing severe weight loss and muscle wasting in terminal illnesses like cancer and heart failure. By studying migratory birds that naturally lose and quickly regain lean body mass, the research aims to uncover the biological mechanisms behind tissue regeneration. The approach combines functional assessments with advanced techniques like metabolomics and transcriptomics to understand how these birds recover from significant muscle loss. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from cachexia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new insights and treatments for patients experiencing muscle wasting due to chronic illnesses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on muscle recovery in animal models has shown promise, suggesting that this novel approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gerson, Alexander R. — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Gerson, Alexander R.
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.