TFEB as a key switch to keep muscles healthy as we age
Official title: Investigating TFEB as a critical node to improve proteostatic maintenance and skeletal muscle function with age
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-11552336 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in aging adults and aging muscle tissues looks at whether boosting TFEB can improve how muscles maintain themselves and recover after disuse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00AG086524-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11552336 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults experiencing age-related muscle weakness or sarcopenia, or individuals at risk of disuse atrophy due to immobility.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without age-related muscle issues or those not experiencing disuse atrophy may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how aging affects muscle maintenance and recovery, focusing on a protein called TFEB that helps cells recycle damaged components. Researchers will examine whether TFEB activity can be increased to improve autophagy and protein degradation in aged muscle, potentially supporting better muscle function. The study builds on findings that high protein synthesis and mTOR activity in aged muscle may hinder TFEB and proper muscle maintenance. Through experiments in aged muscle, the team aims to determine if TFEB is a pivotal point for keeping muscles healthy and recovering after periods of disuse.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to therapies that enhance muscle health and recovery in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests TFEB and autophagy are linked to muscle maintenance, but translating these findings to aging humans is ongoing and promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fuqua, Jordan — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Fuqua, Jordan
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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.