Satellite cells help kids' muscles grow during cancer treatment
Official title: Satellite cells protect against pediatric chemotherapy-induced delays in muscle growth and development
Funded at Baylor University · NIH-11427130 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A pediatric cancer research grant tests if boosting muscle stem cells can prevent growth delays caused by standard chemotherapy in children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waco, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $503,834 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AR088081-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11427130 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children and young people undergoing CHOP-like chemotherapy regimens or with conditions affecting muscle development.
✕Less likely to help
If chemotherapy does not impact satellite cell activity in this model, the strategies may not provide benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on young patients who receive CHOP chemotherapy and may experience slower muscle growth and weaker development. Researchers will use a pediatric mouse model to study how activating muscle satellite cells could protect muscle growth during CHOP treatment. They will test two approaches: a small molecule drug (CEP-701) and turning on MYC specifically in satellite cells, and then measure muscle growth, body composition, and muscle fiber health. If successful, these findings could inform strategies to reduce treatment-related muscle problems in children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the approach works, children undergoing chemotherapy could maintain better muscle growth and function during treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies suggest satellite cell activity influences muscle growth; this project tests a new, targeted approach in a pediatric context.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor University
Waco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dungan, Cory — Baylor University
- Study coordinator: Dungan, Cory
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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.