Understanding how muscle fibers control muscle stem cells for better muscle repair
Role of Fbxw7-Mediated Proteasomal Degradation in Myofibers in Determining Muscle Stem Cell Pool Size
This research explores how muscle cells communicate with muscle stem cells to help muscles heal and grow, especially as we age or face certain health conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129873 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our muscles rely on special cells called muscle stem cells to repair themselves after injury or during normal wear and tear. However, in older adults or those with certain diseases, these stem cells don't work as well, making muscle repair less effective. This project aims to discover the specific signals that muscle fibers send to these stem cells, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy supply of stem cells. By uncovering these communication pathways, we hope to find new ways to boost muscle's natural ability to heal. This understanding could lead to new treatments for muscle weakness and damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant for adults aged 21 and older who experience muscle weakness, injury, or conditions that impair muscle regeneration.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatments or direct participation in a human clinical trial would not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies and treatments to improve muscle repair and regeneration for people experiencing muscle loss or damage due to aging or disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown the importance of the muscle's environment in regulating stem cell function, and this work builds on those findings by focusing on the specific role of muscle fibers.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sacco, Alessandra — Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
- Study coordinator: Sacco, Alessandra
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 below.