How low oxygen levels during sleep affect muscle health in COPD patients
Official title: Nocturnal hypoxemia dysregulates skeletal muscle protein homeostasis in COPD
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11052900 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how low oxygen levels during sleep might affect muscle health in people with COPD, helping us understand why some patients lose muscle strength and how a specific protein could play a role in keeping muscles healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $151,578 |
| NIH project number | 1K08HL168348-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052900 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who experience muscle loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with COPD who do not exhibit symptoms of muscle loss or those with other unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of low oxygen levels during sleep, known as nocturnal hypoxemia, on muscle health in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study aims to understand how this condition contributes to muscle loss, or sarcopenia, which affects a significant number of COPD patients. By examining the role of a specific protein, HIF1α, in muscle cells, the researchers will explore the mechanisms behind muscle protein synthesis and homeostasis. The research will involve both laboratory experiments and animal models to validate the findings and their implications for patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent or treat muscle loss in COPD patients, improving their overall health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of hypoxia on muscle health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Attaway, Amy — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Attaway, Amy
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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.