Understanding how muscles grow and stay strong

Ribosomal control of muscle mass: Transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms

NIH-funded research Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11141045

This research explores how tiny cell parts called ribosomes help muscles grow and stay healthy, especially when people experience muscle loss due to conditions like cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (University Park, United States)
Project IDNIH-11141045 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our muscles are vital for our overall health, and losing muscle mass can lead to serious problems and longer recovery times. This project focuses on understanding how ribosomes, which are like tiny protein factories in our cells, control muscle growth and maintenance. We are looking at specific genetic factors that influence ribosome production and how they can lead to stronger, larger muscles. By uncovering these mechanisms, we hope to find new ways to prevent muscle loss and improve muscle function.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals experiencing muscle loss due to chronic diseases or aging.

Not a fit: Patients who do not experience muscle loss or related conditions would not directly benefit from this specific research focus.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help prevent muscle wasting and improve muscle strength for patients facing conditions like cancer cachexia or aging-related muscle loss.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific genetic approach is novel, other studies have shown the importance of protein synthesis and ribosomal function in muscle health.

Where this research is happening

University Park, 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 Cancer CachexiaCancers
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.