Understanding how a protein affects muscle loss
Official title: Characterization of Maf function in muscle atrophy
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10948561 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called Maf to see how it affects muscle loss, especially in people dealing with cancer or aging, and it hopes to find ways to help keep muscles healthy and prevent wasting.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $95,080 |
| NIH project number | 1K99AR084549-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948561 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing muscle atrophy due to cancer cachexia or aging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with muscle atrophy caused by unrelated factors, such as genetic disorders not involving the Maf protein, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called Maf in muscle atrophy, which is the loss of muscle mass often seen in conditions like cancer cachexia and aging. The study aims to uncover how Maf influences gene expression related to muscle health and how it may help prevent muscle loss. By using advanced techniques, the researchers will explore the interactions of Maf with other proteins and its potential protective effects against muscle wasting. This could lead to new therapies for patients suffering from muscle atrophy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help preserve muscle mass in patients with conditions like cancer and age-related muscle loss.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting muscle atrophy through molecular pathways, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dos Santos, Matthieu — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Dos Santos, Matthieu
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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.