Understanding how mitochondrial issues lead to muscle loss as we age.
Official title: Mechanism of mitochondria-induced proteostatic signaling and progressive muscle atrophy during aging.
Funded at Upstate Medical University · NIH-10931389 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how problems with tiny energy factories in our muscles, called mitochondria, can lead to muscle loss and weakness as we get older, using special mice to help understand these changes better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Upstate Medical University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2023 |
| Project end | September 13, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30AG082400-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931389 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing muscle weakness or atrophy, as well as individuals with conditions that affect muscle health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing muscle atrophy or related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind muscle atrophy, particularly how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the loss of muscle mass and strength during aging. It focuses on the balance between protein synthesis and degradation in skeletal muscle, exploring how disturbances in this balance can lead to muscle wasting. The study employs a transgenic mouse model to examine the effects of mitochondrial damage on protein import and overall muscle health, aiming to uncover new insights into the biological processes involved.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating muscle loss in aging individuals.
How similar studies have gone: While mitochondrial dysfunction has been studied in relation to muscle atrophy, this specific approach using transgenic models to explore proteostatic signaling is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brennan, Nicholas — Upstate Medical University
- Study coordinator: Brennan, Nicholas
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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.