Understanding how myostatin and related proteins control muscle growth
Official title: Signaling mechanisms utilized by myostatin and related ligands in skeletal muscle
Funded at University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt · NIH-11061093 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called myostatin, which helps control muscle growth, works in the body, and it aims to find new ways to help people with muscle-wasting conditions build stronger muscles.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $677,618 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR084264-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061093 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from muscle-wasting diseases or conditions that affect muscle growth.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to muscle growth or those who do not experience muscle loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the signaling mechanisms of myostatin, a protein that limits muscle growth, and its related ligands. By studying how these proteins interact with specific receptors in muscle cells, the researchers aim to uncover the biological pathways that regulate muscle development and function. The approach includes genetic manipulation in mice to observe the effects of altering these signaling pathways, which could lead to new strategies for enhancing muscle growth in patients with muscle-wasting conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for conditions that cause muscle loss, improving patients' strength and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting myostatin pathways for muscle growth, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
Farmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Se-Jin — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Lee, Se-Jin
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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.