How leucine and exercise work together to keep muscle energy systems healthy
Sestrins-mediated integration of leucine and exercise benefits for mitochondrial homeostasis
This project looks at how the protein Sestrin helps the amino acid leucine and exercise work together to keep muscles' energy systems and strength healthy as people age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322086 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your point of view, the team wants to learn how Sestrin proteins help leucine and physical activity protect muscle cell mitochondria. They run lab experiments using genetic and biochemical tools and animal models, combined with controlled exercise and dietary tests, to track molecular signals in muscle. The researchers measure muscle strength, mitochondrial function, and signaling pathways tied to metabolism and aging. Their aim is to find pathways that could be targeted by diet, exercise programs, or new treatments to preserve mobility with age.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults with age-related muscle weakness or early sarcopenia who can participate in exercise and dietary interventions would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People whose muscle loss is caused primarily by nerve diseases, acute injury, or rare genetic muscle disorders may not benefit from these metabolism-focused findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new diet, exercise, or drug approaches to help older adults keep muscle strength and mobility.
How similar studies have performed: Exercise and leucine are known to affect muscle health and recent lab work points to Sestrins as protective, but applying these mechanisms together to preserve aging muscle is a relatively new direction.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Jun Hee — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Lee, Jun Hee
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.