How elevated FGF-21 affects muscle loss due to mitochondrial problems
Official title: Autocrine Action of Elevated FGF-21 Contributing to Skeletal Muscle Atrophy in Response to Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11175267 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called FGF-21 might play a role in muscle loss, especially for people dealing with issues like spinal cord injuries or being inactive for a long time, and it hopes to find new ways to help keep muscles healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $438,441 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG069906-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11175267 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults experiencing muscle atrophy due to conditions like spinal cord injuries or prolonged inactivity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with muscle atrophy not related to mitochondrial dysfunction or those with unrelated chronic conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of elevated levels of FGF-21, a protein produced by muscles, in contributing to muscle atrophy, particularly in conditions of mitochondrial dysfunction. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind muscle loss that can occur due to factors like spinal cord injuries or prolonged bed rest. By examining how mitochondrial health impacts muscle function and the signaling pathways involved, the research seeks to identify potential new therapeutic targets for preventing muscle wasting. Patients may be involved in understanding how these biological processes affect their muscle health and overall well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reverse muscle atrophy, improving quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in muscle atrophy, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rowe, Glenn Cameron — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Rowe, Glenn Cameron
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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.