Helping older muscles recover by targeting immune-cell metabolism
Regulation of macrophage metabolism in aged muscle during recovery
This project tests whether changing how immune cells use energy can help older adults' muscles regrow and regain strength after periods of inactivity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11370520 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers are looking at special immune cells called macrophages to see if their energy use affects muscle regrowth in older adults after disuse. In mice they will use genetics, bone marrow transfers, and drugs to change macrophage metabolism and watch how muscles recover. The team will also study muscle tissue from young and older people to see whether the same metabolic problems appear in humans. Lab tests will measure inflammatory signals and metabolic markers to point toward possible treatment targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be older adults who have experienced muscle loss or weakness due to periods of inactivity, such as after hospitalization or prolonged bed rest.
Not a fit: People whose muscle problems are caused by active neuromuscular diseases, genetic muscle disorders, or non-disuse causes may not benefit from these specific findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that help older adults regain muscle size and strength faster after bed rest, injury, or hospitalization.
How similar studies have performed: Animal and lab studies have linked macrophage metabolism to inflammation and tissue repair, but applying these findings to improve muscle recovery in older humans is largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Drummond, Micah J — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Drummond, Micah J
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.