How nerves affect muscle stem cells as we age
Official title: Examination of the role of autonomic innervation in muscle stem cell aging
Funded at Buck Institute for Research on Aging · NIH-11455160 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly look at a study exploring how the nervous system's signals influence aging muscle stem cells and muscle mass in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Buck Institute for Research on Aging NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Novato, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $533,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG098707-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11455160 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 and older who may experience age-related muscle aging, particularly those at risk for sarcopenia.
✕Less likely to help
This basic science study is conducted in model organisms; not all participants will directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at why older people lose muscle mass and strength and whether nerve signals play a key role. Researchers will use fruit fly models to study how autonomic nerves interact with muscle stem cells and influence muscle aging. The findings could point to new ways to preserve muscle health and improve functioning in older adults. Although done in early-stage models, the work aims to uncover targets that could lead to future therapies for sarcopenia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new pathways to slow or reverse muscle aging, potentially helping patients maintain strength and mobility.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show autonomic signals influence stem cells in other tissues, suggesting a promising but early- stage approach for muscle aging.
Where this research is happening
-
Buck Institute for Research on Aging
Novato, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haghighi, Ali Pejmun — Buck Institute for Research on Aging
- Study coordinator: Haghighi, Ali Pejmun
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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.