Investigating how certain enzymes can help reduce physical decline in aging individuals
Official title: Targeting muscle kynurenine aminotransferases and the AHR pathway to mitigate age-related physical decline
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10902589 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain enzymes might affect muscle strength and overall health as we age, especially in older adults, to find ways to help them stay strong and active.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 23, 2024 |
| Project end | March 3, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $79,756 |
| NIH project number | 1F32AG087637-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10902589 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing muscle weakness or frailty.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not elderly or do not exhibit signs of muscle weakness or frailty may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of specific enzymes in the aging process, particularly how they relate to muscle weakness and frailty in older adults. By examining the relationship between elevated levels of L-kynurenine and age-related physical decline, the study aims to identify potential interventions that could reverse these effects. The approach involves analyzing the function of kynurenine aminotransferases and their impact on muscle health, with the goal of developing strategies to improve physical function in the elderly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance physical function and quality of life for older adults.
How similar studies have gone: While there is emerging evidence linking kynurenine levels to frailty, this specific approach to targeting muscle enzymes in aging is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wimberly, Keon — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Wimberly, Keon
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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.