Investigating how TWEAK and Fn14 affect muscle wasting in cancer and aging
Official title: TWEAK/Fn14/UPR Signaling in Skeletal Muscle Wasting
Funded at University of Houston · NIH-11017622 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called TWEAK affects muscle health in people with cancer and older adults, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent muscle loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $535,070 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR081487-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017622 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are experiencing muscle wasting due to cancer or aging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing muscle wasting or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind skeletal muscle wasting, particularly in patients with cancer and the elderly. It examines how the TWEAK protein interacts with its receptor Fn14 to influence muscle health by regulating protein synthesis and degradation. The study utilizes mouse models to explore the effects of genetic modifications that inhibit these pathways, aiming to identify potential therapeutic targets to prevent muscle loss. By analyzing the signaling pathways involved, the research seeks to uncover new strategies to combat muscle atrophy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce muscle wasting in patients with cancer and older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar pathways for muscle preservation, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kumar, Ashok — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Kumar, Ashok
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.