Investigating the role of Smad8 in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Official title: Smad8 is a driver of Duchenne muscular dystrophy pathology via myomiR repression
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10993626 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Smad8 affects tiny molecules that help muscles work in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a condition that causes serious muscle loss, to find new ways to help improve muscle health and recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2020 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $221,425 |
| NIH project number | 5K08NS120812-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993626 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, particularly those experiencing muscle weakness and degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of muscular dystrophy or unrelated muscle disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how Smad8, a transcription factor, affects muscle-enriched microRNAs (myomiRs) in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a condition that leads to severe muscle wasting. By using cell culture and mouse models, the researchers aim to explore how Smad8 influences muscle cell functions such as proliferation, differentiation, and regeneration, particularly in the context of inflammation caused by the disease. The study seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind Smad8's role in DMD, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatments that improve muscle function and quality of life for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting microRNAs for therapeutic interventions in muscular dystrophies, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lopez, Michael Alonzo — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Lopez, Michael Alonzo
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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.