Isthmin, a fat-tissue signal that may help prevent muscle loss
Investigating Isthmin as an adipose-to-muscle messenger that promotes muscle protein synthesis
This project looks at whether a protein made by fat tissue called Isthmin can help preserve or build muscle for people who experience muscle loss from conditions like diabetes or aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323180 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I want researchers to find out whether Isthmin-1, a hormone secreted by fat tissue, sends signals that keep muscle protein levels steady and prevent atrophy. The team will use genetic mouse models, muscle biology experiments, biochemical assays, and bioinformatics to map how Ism1 affects muscle proteostasis. Work combines endocrinology and laboratory studies to trace the signaling pathways between adipose tissue and muscle. Promising results would set the stage for developing therapies based on this adipokine.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with muscle wasting linked to diabetes, insulin resistance, or age-related sarcopenia would be the most likely candidates for related future treatments or clinical trials.
Not a fit: Patients whose muscle loss stems from primary genetic muscle diseases or conditions unlikely to respond to hormonal signaling may not benefit, and no immediate clinical benefit is expected because the work is preclinical.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that protect or restore muscle mass in people with diabetes, insulin resistance, or age-related muscle loss.
How similar studies have performed: Other research shows adipokines influence metabolism and organ crosstalk, but using Isthmin-1 to maintain muscle protein is a relatively new idea that has been explored mostly in preclinical studies.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Meng — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Meng
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 below.