Investigating changes at nerve-muscle connections that lead to muscle weakness in older adults
Official title: Presynaptic active zone alterations that underlie dynapenia at aged mouse neuromuscular junctions
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11086155 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects the way nerves and muscles work together in mice, to help us understand why some older people experience muscle weakness and falls, with the hope of finding new ways to help improve strength and function as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $371,285 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG083078-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086155 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who may be experiencing muscle weakness or balance issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without muscle strength issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how aging affects the connections between nerves and muscles, specifically looking at the neuromuscular junctions in older mice. The study aims to identify changes in the release of neurotransmitters that contribute to muscle weakness, known as dynapenia, which can lead to falls and frailty in the elderly. By using advanced imaging techniques and electrophysiology, researchers will analyze how these connections change with age and explore potential new therapeutic targets to improve muscle strength and function in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance muscle strength and reduce the risk of falls in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neuromuscular junction changes with aging, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meriney, Stephen D — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Meriney, Stephen D
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.