How mitochondria control calcium levels and cell death in muscular dystrophy
Official title: Mitochondrial Regulation of Calcium Homeostasis and Cell Death in Muscular Dystrophy
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11101125 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny parts of your cells called mitochondria affect calcium levels and muscle cell health in people with muscular dystrophy, with the hope of finding new ways to protect your muscles from damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | March 4, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $241,531 |
| NIH project number | 5R00AR078253-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11101125 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, particularly those experiencing muscle weakness and degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with muscular dystrophy who are not experiencing significant muscle degeneration or those with other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of mitochondria in regulating calcium levels and cell death in patients with muscular dystrophy (MD). The study will explore how disruptions in calcium homeostasis contribute to muscle cell death and the progression of MD. By using specific genetic modifications in a mouse model of MD, researchers aim to understand how altering mitochondrial calcium uptake and efflux can impact muscle health. This could lead to new therapeutic strategies to protect muscle cells from damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or prevent muscle degeneration in patients with muscular dystrophy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding mitochondrial function in muscle diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bround, Michael — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Bround, Michael
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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.