Investigating how UBR5 affects muscle loss and recovery
Official title: The role of UBR5 in skeletal muscle atrophy and regrowth
Funded at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation · NIH-10868891 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called UBR5 to see how it affects muscle loss and recovery, which could help people who are dealing with muscle weakness from long-term illnesses or not using their muscles enough.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $170,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AR083980-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10868891 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 atrophy due to chronic diseases or disuse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues related to muscle atrophy or who are not affected by chronic diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a specific protein, UBR5, in the processes of muscle atrophy and regrowth. By studying how UBR5 influences protein turnover, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that contribute to muscle health, especially in individuals experiencing muscle loss due to chronic diseases or disuse. The approach involves using animal models to manipulate UBR5 levels and observe the resulting effects on muscle mass and recovery. This could lead to new insights into treatments that enhance muscle maintenance and growth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that help prevent or reverse muscle loss in patients with chronic illnesses.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of E3 ubiquitin ligases in muscle health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hughes, David C — Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
- Study coordinator: Hughes, David C
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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.