Understanding how aging affects muscle function and how exercise can help

Mediators of Muscle Rejuvenation with Aging

NIH-funded research University of Arkansas at Fayetteville · NIH-11261451

This study is looking at how aging affects muscle strength and whether exercise can help improve it, focusing on a protein called MYC that helps muscles adapt to working out, and it's being tested in mice to find ways to keep our muscles healthy as we get older.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Arkansas at Fayetteville NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Fayetteville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11261451 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the decline in muscle function that occurs with aging and how exercise may help reverse these effects. It focuses on a specific protein, MYC, which plays a crucial role in muscle adaptation to exercise. Using a mouse model, researchers will analyze how MYC can be controlled to enhance muscle function and health throughout life. The study involves various techniques, including RNA sequencing and DNA analysis, to understand the molecular changes in muscle cells as they age and respond to exercise.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing muscle weakness or decline in physical function.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger or do not have age-related muscle decline may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving muscle health and function in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that exercise can mitigate age-related muscle decline, but this specific approach focusing on MYC is novel.

Where this research is happening

Fayetteville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.