Reducing lipid oxidative damage to prevent age-related muscle loss
Official title: LOOH-induced muscle atrophy with age
Funded at Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · NIH-11242061 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores whether clearing harmful lipid oxidation products and stopping their formation could protect muscles from age-related wasting.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $531,944 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG074535-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11242061 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults experiencing age-related muscle weakness or loss (sarcopenia), particularly those with reduced mobility, would be the most likely future candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People whose muscle loss is caused by genetic neuromuscular diseases, acute injury, or non-aging illnesses may not benefit from these lipid-focused approaches.
What this research studies
As people age, damaging molecules called lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) may speed up muscle breakdown and lead to weakness. Researchers will use cells and animal models to test whether a scavenger drug (N-acetylcarnosine) or blocking an enzyme (LPCAT3) lowers LOOH levels and preserves muscle. They will measure muscle mass, strength, and biochemical signs of lipid damage and autophagy. The work aims to identify approaches that could be moved into human testing to help older adults keep strength and mobility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments or supplements that help preserve muscle mass and mobility during aging.
How similar studies have gone: Laboratory studies support that targeting lipid peroxides can protect cells and tissues, but translating those findings into safe and effective treatments for human age-related muscle loss is still unproven.
Where this research is happening
-
Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Funai, Katsuhiko — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Funai, Katsuhiko
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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.