Understanding how mitochondria cause muscle wasting

Mechanism of Mitochondria-induced Progressive Muscle Wasting

NIH-funded research Upstate Medical University · NIH-10539303

This study is looking at how problems with tiny energy factories in our cells can lead to muscle loss in people with conditions like cancer, AIDS, and diabetes, and it uses special mice to see how a certain protein might help keep muscles strong.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUpstate Medical University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Syracuse, United States)
Project IDNIH-10539303 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which mitochondrial dysfunction leads to progressive muscle wasting, a condition that affects individuals with various diseases such as cancer, AIDS, and diabetes. The study utilizes a transgenic mouse model to explore how the overexpression of a specific protein, ANT1, impacts muscle fiber size and overall muscle mass. By examining the balance between protein synthesis and degradation in muscle cells, the research aims to uncover novel pathways that contribute to muscle atrophy. The findings could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for preventing or treating muscle wasting in affected patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from conditions associated with muscle wasting, such as cancer, AIDS, diabetes, or age-related muscle loss.

Not a fit: Patients who do not experience muscle wasting or are not affected by the conditions studied may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help prevent or reverse muscle wasting in patients with chronic diseases.

How similar studies have performed: While mitochondrial dysfunction has been studied in relation to muscle wasting, this specific approach using ANT1 overexpression is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior research.

Where this research is happening

Syracuse, 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.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAcquired Immuno-Deficiency SyndromeAcquired Immunologic Deficiency SyndromeAcquired Immunodeficiency SyndromeCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.