How high mTOR activity affects muscle recovery in older adults after inactivity
Official title: Mechanism through which chronically elevated mTOR activity impairs aged muscle recovery after disuse atrophy
Funded at Oklahoma City VA Medical Center · NIH-11109636 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why older adults, especially Veterans, have a hard time rebuilding their muscle strength after being inactive, like during a hospital stay, and it hopes to find ways to help them recover better so they can enjoy a more active and independent life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma City VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005592-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109636 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly Veterans, who have experienced muscle loss due to inactivity or hospitalization.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 years old or those without a history of muscle atrophy due to inactivity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the reasons why older adults, particularly Veterans, struggle to recover muscle strength and mass after periods of inactivity, such as bedrest during hospital stays. It focuses on the role of mTOR, a protein that, when overly active, may hinder muscle recovery rather than help it. By using advanced techniques to analyze muscle tissue, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind this issue and identify potential interventions to improve recovery outcomes for older patients. The goal is to enhance the quality of life and independence for older adults facing muscle loss due to hospitalization.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving muscle recovery in older adults, helping them maintain their independence and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting mTOR in muscle recovery is innovative, previous research has shown mixed results, indicating that this area is still being explored and may lead to novel findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Benjamin Francis — Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Miller, Benjamin Francis
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.