MG53 protein to protect aging muscles during disuse
Official title: THE ROLE OF MG53 IN AVOIDANCE OF DISUSE-INDUCED MUSCLE ATROPHY
Funded at University of Nebraska Lincoln · NIH-11406337 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Lincoln NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lincoln, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $156,959 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AR086358-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11406337 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are older adults or individuals at risk of muscle loss due to prolonged inactivity or bed rest who could participate in future translational studies or related trials.
✕Less likely to help
If MG53 does not influence mitochondrial protection or muscle turnover, patients may not experience benefit in current settings.
What this research studies
This study looks at how aging muscles lose mass when people are inactive and how MG53, a protein linked to protecting mitochondria, might help. Researchers will examine how MG53 behaves in models of disuse and whether boosting MG53 can reduce muscle protein breakdown and support protein synthesis. The work compares non-hibernating models to the natural strategy seen in hibernating animals to see if MG53 can be targeted to keep muscles healthier during inactivity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new ways to protect muscles from disuse atrophy in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests MG53 and mitochondrial protection are linked to muscle health, but translating findings to disuse atrophy in humans is still early.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vechetti, Ivan J — University of Nebraska Lincoln
- Study coordinator: Vechetti, Ivan J
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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.