Muscle body clock and mitochondrial health to support better aging
Circadian regulation of mitochondrial function by muscle RORs to promote healthy aging
This work explores whether boosting the muscle 'body clock' can help keep muscles and their energy makers (mitochondria) healthier as people age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11187219 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team studies how muscle-specific clock proteins (RORs) control mitochondrial function and muscle strength using animal models and a natural compound called nobiletin. They compare young and aged animals and look at muscle function and gene activity at different times of day to capture circadian effects. The goal is to find time-dependent mechanisms and interventions that could be adapted for people to preserve muscle health during aging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults worried about age-related loss of muscle strength or stamina could be future candidates for trials derived from this work.
Not a fit: People with acute muscle injuries or conditions unrelated to age-related mitochondrial decline may not benefit from the approaches studied here.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways (drugs or timing-based strategies) to preserve muscle strength and energy with age.
How similar studies have performed: Related animal studies, including treatment with the ROR agonist nobiletin, have shown improved muscle and metabolic function in mice, but human benefit remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Zheng — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Chen, Zheng
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.