NIH-funded research R21 grant

Investigating how MuRF1 affects muscle loss

Official title: MuRF1 substrates and mechanisms of skeletal muscle atrophy

Funded at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation · NIH-11061929 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at a protein called MuRF1 that is connected to muscle loss, and by figuring out how it works with other proteins in muscle, the researchers hope to find new ways to create treatments that can help people keep their muscles strong and healthy.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOklahoma Medical Research Foundation
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Oklahoma City, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2024
Project endMarch 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$181,924
NIH project number5R21AR084235-02
Project IDNIH-11061929 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing muscle atrophy due to conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, or aging.

Less likely to help

Patients with muscle atrophy not linked to MuRF1 or those with unrelated muscle disorders may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of MuRF1, a protein linked to muscle atrophy, in various diseases. By studying how MuRF1 interacts with other proteins in muscle tissue, the researchers aim to identify new targets for drug development that could help prevent or treat muscle loss. The approach involves advanced techniques like mass spectrometry to analyze protein modifications in muscle samples. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to effective therapies for conditions causing muscle wasting.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reverse muscle atrophy in patients suffering from various diseases.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting E3 ligases for muscle atrophy, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

  • Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
    Oklahoma City, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Bodine, Sue C — Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
  • Study coordinator: Bodine, Sue C

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  • Oxidized lipids driving aging-related muscle loss

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  • 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.

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  • 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.