NIH-funded research R01 grant

Investigating how age-related muscle loss is influenced by specific molecules

Official title: LOOH-induced muscle atrophy with age

Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10987032 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how getting older can cause muscle loss, which can make it harder to move and lead to other health problems, and it will test new treatments that might help protect muscle in older adults by targeting harmful molecules in the body.

More Muscle Atrophy research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Utah
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Salt Lake City, United States)
Project startFebruary 1, 2022
Project endNovember 30, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$478,750
NIH project number5R01AG074535-04
Project IDNIH-10987032 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing muscle loss or sarcopenia.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not experiencing muscle loss or are younger than the targeted age group may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how aging leads to muscle loss, known as sarcopenia, which affects mobility and increases the risk of other health issues. The study will explore the role of reactive oxygen species, particularly lipid peroxides, in promoting muscle atrophy through specific cellular processes. By testing treatments that neutralize these harmful molecules, the researchers aim to find potential therapies to prevent muscle loss in older adults. Patients may be involved in trials assessing the effectiveness of these treatments in preserving muscle mass.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that help maintain muscle mass in older adults, improving their mobility and overall quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting oxidative stress to mitigate muscle atrophy, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Utah
    Salt Lake City, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Funai, Katsuhiko — University of Utah
  • Study coordinator: Funai, Katsuhiko

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Therapeutic approach to reduce cellular aging and improve thigh muscle recovery after ACL injury

    A research project tests a drug (metformin) to help the thigh muscle heal better after ACL injury and reconstruction.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11450887

  • MG53 protein to protect aging muscles during disuse

    A small research project will explore whether increasing MG53 protein can help prevent muscle loss during periods of inactivity in aging, with the goal of protecting muscle health.

    NIH research University of Nebraska Lincoln · Lincoln, United States · NIH-11406337

  • Oxidized lipids driving aging-related muscle loss

    This project explores how certain lipid molecules that are damaged or modified over time contribute to muscle weakness and loss in older adults, with the goal of identifying new ways to prevent sarcopenia.

    NIH research Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation · Oklahoma City, United States · NIH-11396249

  • Role of Depp1 in muscle loss and weakness

    A study at a major hospital is exploring whether a protein called Depp1 drives muscle loss when muscles don’t get enough nutrients or oxygen, with the aim of finding ways to prevent this wasting.

    NIH research Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11268416

  • Gut bacteria therapy for muscle wasting

    This project tests whether changing gut bacteria can help prevent or reverse muscle wasting in people with cancer-related cachexia or disuse atrophy.

    NIH research University of Kentucky · Lexington, United States · NIH-11264924

  • Reducing lipid oxidative damage to prevent age-related muscle loss

    This project explores whether clearing harmful lipid oxidation products and stopping their formation could protect muscles from age-related wasting.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11242061

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.