MiRNA roles in age-related muscle loss and NMJ health
Official title: The role of miRNAs in sarcopenia
Funded at University of Nebraska Lincoln · NIH-11452282 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how small RNA molecules called miRNAs influence muscle aging and the neuromuscular junction in adults.
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 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $434,856 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG098425-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11452282 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults aged 65+ or those with aging-related muscle weakness or neuromuscular conditions who may benefit from future therapies targeting miRNA pathways.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without risk of age-related muscle loss or neuromuscular conditions may see less direct benefit.
What this research studies
The study uses a novel mouse model to turn off miRNA repression in adult skeletal muscle for a short period, to understand how miRNAs contribute to sarcopenia. Researchers aim to link miRNA activity with muscle mass, NMJ function, and potential pathways that lead to frailty. Findings could inform future strategies to improve muscle strength and rehabilitation in aging populations. While the work is in animals, it targets mechanisms relevant to human aging and diseases like ALS that affect motor cells and muscles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new molecular targets to prevent or mitigate age-related muscle loss and improve rehabilitation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies link miRNAs to muscle biology, but this project tests a novel, reversible muscle-specific miRNA intervention with preliminary promising data.
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.