Muscular Dystrophy Center for Training and Discovery
Official title: Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11402642 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A specialized NIH grant supports training the next generation of doctors, scientists, and clinicians to advance muscular dystrophy care and research.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | June 8, 2005 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $173,448 |
| NIH project number | 5P50NS053672-22 |
| Project ID | NIH-11402642 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include patients with muscular dystrophy who may participate in clinical care, educational activities, or be involved in related research projects through the center.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not directly involved in training activities or who are outside the center's clinical or research networks may see limited direct benefits.
What this research studies
This program at the University of Iowa brings together basic scientists and clinicians to grow expertise in muscular dystrophy. It funds medical student, postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate fellowships to participate in patient care, biopsy interpretation, and clinical trials. Trainees gain hands-on experience in clinics, lab research, and collaboration with experts to push forward therapies for muscular dystrophy. The center emphasizes mentorship and exposure to both patient care and cutting-edge science to prepare the next generation of neuromuscular leaders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could accelerate the development of new treatments and improve care for people with muscular dystrophy.
How similar studies have gone: Other training-focused centers have shown that structured fellowships can strengthen translational neuromuscular research and patient care.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mathews, Katherine Dianne — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Mathews, Katherine Dianne
Related research
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Understanding why Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy worsens and how to stop it
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-
Endocrine role of intramuscular fat in muscular dystrophy
This grant studies how fat that builds up inside muscles in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy may release hormones that affect overall health, especially metabolism.
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Stopping steroid-related muscle and bone wasting in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Researchers are testing ways to protect muscles and bones in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who take long-term steroid medicines.
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Curation of muscular dystrophy genes to improve diagnosis and care
A grant to help doctors better interpret genetic tests for muscular dystrophy and myopathy so patients get clearer diagnoses and faster access to therapies.
-
MR clues to how nNOS affects energy use and blood flow in Becker and Duchenne muscular dystrophy
This project looks at how advanced MRI tests can track muscle energy and blood flow changes in people with Becker and Duchenne muscular dystrophy as new gene therapies are explored.
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.