How aging cells drive loss of muscle strength and mass
Project 2 - Cellular Senescence and Skeletal Muscle Aging
Looks at whether targeting age-damaged (senescent) cells can prevent or reverse muscle weakness and wasting in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11301882 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers are using advanced genetic mouse models and new drugs to remove or block cells that stop working properly with age. They will measure changes in muscle size, strength, and molecular signs of aging, and also study how aged muscle communicates with bone and brain. The team combines systems biology, specialized genetic tools, and next-generation drug testing to pinpoint the roles of two key aging genes, p16Ink4a and p21Cip1. While most work is preclinical, the goal is to guide treatments that could help people maintain muscle function as they get older.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be older adults experiencing age-related muscle weakness or loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) and who are interested in contributing to research or future clinical testing.
Not a fit: Younger people, or those whose muscle problems are due to non‑age-related genetic disorders (like muscular dystrophy) or acute injury, are unlikely to benefit from this specific aging-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that preserve or restore muscle strength and reduce frailty in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Early animal studies and initial human senolytic trials have shown promising signals for clearing senescent cells and improving function, but applying these approaches specifically to age-related muscle loss in people remains experimental.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lebrasseur, Nathan K — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Lebrasseur, Nathan K
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.