Understanding how a natural body chemical affects bone and muscle aging, especially in women
PROJECT 4 - Kyn-AhR crosstalk with nuclear receptor-mediated signaling in skeletal aging
This research explores how a natural body chemical called kynurenine affects bone and muscle health as we age, particularly why it seems to have a stronger negative impact on women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11103323 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies produce a chemical called kynurenine, which appears to play a role in how our bones and muscles weaken with age. We've noticed that kynurenine seems to cause more problems in women's musculoskeletal systems than in men's, and we want to understand why. This project aims to uncover the specific ways kynurenine interacts with other important body signals, like those involving estrogen and stress hormones, to affect bone health. By understanding these interactions, we hope to learn more about conditions like osteoporosis and frailty, which are more common in women.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients experiencing age-related bone loss, osteoporosis, or muscle weakness, particularly women, might find this research relevant to their condition.
Not a fit: Patients whose musculoskeletal issues are not related to aging or the specific chemical pathways being studied may not directly benefit from this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat age-related bone and muscle weakness, especially for women.
How similar studies have performed: Our group has previously shown that kynurenine contributes to age-related musculoskeletal problems, but the exact reasons for its differing effects in males and females are still being uncovered.
Where this research is happening
Augusta, United States
- Augusta University — Augusta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcgee-Lawrence, Meghan E. — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Mcgee-Lawrence, Meghan E.
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 below.