Investigating how ULK2 helps prevent muscle loss as we age
Official title: Role of ULK2 in selective protein degradation and protection against sarcopenia
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11170823 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called ULK2 helps get rid of damaged proteins in muscles, which could lead to new ways to keep older adults strong and healthy as they age and fight off muscle loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $381,507 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG080101-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11170823 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing muscle weakness or atrophy, particularly those over the age of 65.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 or do not have any signs of muscle atrophy or weakness may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a specific protein, ULK2, in the process of selective protein degradation, which is crucial for maintaining muscle health in older adults. As people age, they often experience sarcopenia, a condition characterized by muscle atrophy and weakness, which can severely impact their independence and overall health. The study will explore how ULK2 interacts with other proteins to facilitate the removal of damaged proteins in muscle cells, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for sarcopenia. By examining the mechanisms of autophagy, the research aims to identify ways to enhance muscle function and combat age-related decline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help preserve muscle mass and strength in older adults, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting autophagy for muscle health, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treating sarcopenia.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lira, Vitor a — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Lira, Vitor a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how knee pain and knee obesity and muscle loss affect knee osteoarthritis
This project looks at how knee swelling, excess knee fat, and muscle loss relate to pain and structural changes in knee osteoarthritis in adults.
-
MiRNA roles in age-related muscle loss and NMJ health
This project explores how small RNA molecules called miRNAs influence muscle aging and the neuromuscular junction in adults.
-
Multiscale microgels delivering GDNF and agrin to help with sarcopenia
Aimed at older adults with muscle loss, this project tests a new treatment that slowly releases biological factors to support nerve-muscle connections and improve strength when combined with or for people who can’t do intense resistance training.
-
Frailty and sarcopenia in aging adults
Aging adults, especially women, may develop frailty and muscle loss, and this project explores how muscle blood flow and inflammation relate to these conditions and to dementia and heart problems.
-
High-field MRI to detect muscle changes in age-related muscle loss
Very strong MRI scans will measure muscle quality, fat, and chemistry in older adults with sarcopenia.
-
LA-rich oil to help strong muscles as we age
A study will test whether adding a linoleic acid–rich oil to the diet improves muscle strength and walking ability in older adults with sarcopenia.
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.