Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center at UIowa
Official title: Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11402631 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large, patient-focused program is studying muscular dystrophy caused by problems with a protein called α-dystroglycan to improve muscle function and breathing.
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) | $1,515,472 |
| NIH project number | 5P50NS053672-22 |
| Project ID | NIH-11402631 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with dystroglycanopathies, including FKRP-related and non-FKRP genotypes, and those enrolled in related clinical cohorts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without dystroglycanopathy or those not matching the specific genotypes studied may not benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
This program investigates dystroglycanopathies, a group of muscular dystrophies, using mouse models to understand why breathing and muscle strength worsen. Researchers will look at how matriglycan length and laminin binding affect respiratory muscles and test therapies that may restore proper protein function. A parallel patient study will follow people with FKRP-related and other dystroglycanopathies to map natural disease progression and refine care and trial design. The project aims to identify which patients could benefit from new treatments and how to design future clinical trials more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better understanding of disease mechanisms and help tailor therapies to improve breathing and mobility for people with dystroglycanopathies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in muscular dystrophy models and patient cohorts supports moving toward targeted therapies and clinical trial design improvements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Campbell, Kevin P. — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Campbell, Kevin P.
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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.