Understanding how fatty acids are processed in muscle diseases
Official title: Relevance of fatty acid handling in the adaptive response to mitochondrial dysfunction
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11043417 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the body handles fats when muscle cells aren't working as well as they should, and it aims to find ways to help people with mitochondrial myopathy by understanding how the liver and heart can support muscle energy production.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $525,673 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK138011-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043417 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with primary mitochondrial disease, particularly those experiencing mitochondrial myopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without mitochondrial dysfunction or those with unrelated metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how fatty acids are managed in the body when there is a deficiency in mitochondrial function, particularly in skeletal muscle. It focuses on the relationship between fatty acid metabolism and the ability of muscles to produce energy through glucose and fatty acids. By examining how the liver and heart adapt to support muscle function, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that could help mitigate stress responses in muscle cells. Patients with mitochondrial myopathy may find this research relevant as it explores potential metabolic adaptations that could improve their condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing energy production in patients with mitochondrial diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding metabolic adaptations in similar conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seifert, Erin — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Seifert, Erin
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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.