How buildup of the molecule kynurenine and the AHR receptor may speed aging and frailty
Linking kynurenine accumulation and the AHR pathway to exacerbated aging
This project looks at whether high levels of the blood molecule kynurenine and activation of the AHR receptor cause muscle loss and weakness that lead to frailty in older adults.
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 ID | NIH-11266159 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will combine human biomarker data with laboratory studies in muscle cells and experiments in mice to see if kynurenine causes muscle atrophy and mitochondrial dysfunction linked to frailty. They will test whether increasing conversion of kynurenine into the protective compound kynurenic acid or reducing AHR activity can prevent muscle damage. Muscle function, cellular energy measures, and gene activity will be measured across cell, animal, and human-sample approaches to connect the biology to what is seen in older people. The team aims to identify targets that could be used to stop or reverse muscle decline that contributes to frailty.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be older adults with declining muscle strength or early signs of physical frailty, or people willing to give blood samples for biomarker research.
Not a fit: People without age-related muscle weakness or those seeking an immediate clinical therapy rather than participating in research are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new tests or treatments to prevent or slow age-related muscle loss and frailty.
How similar studies have performed: Epidemiological studies have linked higher kynurenine to poorer function and lab/animal work suggests AHR blockade or boosting kynurenic acid can protect muscle, but direct clinical proof in people is still limited.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ryan, Terence E — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Ryan, Terence E
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.