Investigating how a specific receptor affects muscle growth and weight loss.
Official title: Role of Activin Type II Receptor Signaling in Muscle Hypertrophy, Obesity, and Weight Loss
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11071859 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific receptor in the body affects muscle growth and fat loss, and it aims to find out if blocking this receptor can help people lose weight without losing muscle, especially for those getting treatment for obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $752,121 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK139663-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071859 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults struggling with obesity who are seeking effective weight loss solutions without compromising their muscle health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overweight or obese may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the Activin Type II Receptor in regulating muscle hypertrophy and obesity. It aims to explore how blocking this receptor can help preserve muscle mass while promoting fat loss in individuals undergoing weight loss treatments. By using advanced therapeutic agents like GLP-1 receptor agonists, the study seeks to improve the effectiveness of obesity treatments and minimize the loss of lean muscle mass, which is crucial for overall health. The research involves both animal models and human applications to assess the impact of these interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective obesity treatments that help patients lose weight while maintaining or even increasing their muscle mass.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating potential for significant advancements in obesity treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baur, Joseph a. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Baur, Joseph a.
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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.