NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Influence of the malate-aspartate shuttle on muscle energy and performance

Official title: Influence of the malate-aspartate shuttle in striated muscle metabolic health and performance

Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-11268663 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This grant explores how a key energy shuttle in muscle cells affects how well our muscles perform and adapt to exercise.

More Metabolic Health research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Louisville
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Louisville, United States)
Project startMay 15, 2026
Project endJanuary 31, 2031
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$331,518
NIH project number1P20GM161999-01
Project IDNIH-11268663 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Individuals with conditions affecting muscle energy metabolism or those interested in improving exercise performance may be eligible for related studies or future trials.

Less likely to help

People without muscle metabolic concerns or those not engaging in exercise-based interventions may derive no direct benefit.

What this research studies

Researchers at the University of Louisville will study how the malate-aspartate shuttle influences energy production, redox balance, and adaptation in skeletal and cardiac muscle during and after exercise. The project will examine how cytosolic and mitochondrial communication within muscle cells supports energy use from glucose and fats, as well as how this process changes with training. By understanding these pathways, the study aims to identify factors that could improve exercise capacity and metabolic health for people living with related conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Understanding MAS function could lead to approaches that improve exercise tolerance and metabolic health.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows that muscle energy pathways and redox balance impact exercise adaptation, but the specific MAS role in humans requires further clarification.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Louisville
    Louisville, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Gibb, Andrew a — University of Louisville
  • Study coordinator: Gibb, Andrew a

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.