Understanding how caspases affect muscle development and disorders

Caspase-mediated nuclear pore complex trimming in myogenesis and muscular dystrophies

['FUNDING_CAREER'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-10992642

This study is looking at how certain enzymes, called caspases, affect muscle growth and breakdown, especially in people with muscular dystrophies, to better understand how they might help or hurt muscle development.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_CAREER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10992642 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of caspases, a type of protease, in muscle formation and degeneration, particularly in conditions like muscular dystrophies. It aims to explore how these enzymes, typically associated with cell death, can also play a crucial role in muscle differentiation by trimming components of the nuclear pore complex. The study will identify proteins that accumulate in the nucleus during muscle development and examine their interactions with other proteins that regulate gene expression. Additionally, it will assess how caspase activity impacts muscle cells in dystrophic conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with benign X-linked recessive muscular dystrophy or other related muscular dystrophies.

Not a fit: Patients with non-muscular dystrophy-related conditions or those without muscle degeneration may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating muscular dystrophies and improving muscle regeneration.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of caspases in apoptosis is well-established, this research explores their novel non-apoptotic functions in muscle biology, making it a relatively untested area.

Where this research is happening

CHAPEL HILL, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.