NIH-funded research R21 grant

Understanding how Speg proteins affect muscle function

Official title: Identification of Speg Binding Proteins and Phosphorylation Targets in Skeletal and Cardiac Muscle

Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10645535 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a protein called Speg affects our muscles, especially when there's not enough of it, which can lead to serious muscle problems like centronuclear myopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy; by using special mice, the researchers hope to learn more about how Speg works and what might help improve muscle health for people with these conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBaylor College of Medicine
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project startSeptember 18, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$387,200
NIH project number1R21AR082613-01
Project IDNIH-10645535 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with centronuclear myopathy or dilated cardiomyopathy.

Less likely to help

Patients with muscle conditions unrelated to Speg deficiency may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of Speg proteins in skeletal and cardiac muscles, particularly how their deficiency can lead to severe muscle diseases like centronuclear myopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy. By using specially designed mice, the researchers aim to identify the proteins that interact with Speg and the specific phosphorylation targets that are affected by Speg deficiency. Advanced techniques such as mass spectrometry will be employed to analyze these interactions and their implications for muscle health. The findings could provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of muscle-related diseases and potential therapeutic targets.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for severe muscle diseases, improving outcomes for affected patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding protein interactions in muscle diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Baylor College of Medicine
    Houston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Lee, Chang Seok — Baylor College of Medicine
  • Study coordinator: Lee, Chang Seok

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.