NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding muscle and bone loss in people with HIV and aging.

Official title: Novel mechanisms of muscle and bone loss with HIV infection, antiretroviral therapy, and aging.

Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11059051 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how HIV and long-term treatment for it can lead to muscle and bone loss in older adults, and it hopes to find ways to better understand and improve health for people living with HIV.

More Aging research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionAugusta University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Augusta, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2023
Project endMarch 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$621,147
NIH project number5R01AR082307-03
Project IDNIH-11059051 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults living with HIV who are undergoing antiretroviral therapy.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not living with HIV or who are not on antiretroviral therapy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how HIV infection and long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) contribute to muscle and bone loss, particularly in older adults. It aims to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind these changes, focusing on the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in muscle atrophy and bone loss. By studying these processes, the research seeks to improve our understanding of frailty and related health issues in HIV patients, ultimately aiming to enhance clinical practices and patient outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management strategies for muscle and bone health in patients living with HIV, particularly as they age.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of AhR in aging and muscle atrophy, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Augusta University
    Augusta, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Mcgee-Lawrence, Meghan E. — Augusta University
  • Study coordinator: Mcgee-Lawrence, Meghan E.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Why HIV and its medicines can cause muscle weakness and bone loss as people age

    This project looks at how HIV infection and long-term HIV medicines may cause muscle wasting and bone loss in older adults living with HIV.

    NIH research Augusta University · Augusta, United States · NIH-11300263

  • Cannabis and aging-related brain changes in people living with HIV

    This study looks at brain tissue after death to understand how cannabis use may affect Alzheimer’s-related brain changes in people living with HIV as they age.

    NIH research Lsu Health Sciences Center · New Orleans, United States · NIH-11407813

  • Does long-term poor sleep cause bone loss in later life?

    This project looks at whether ongoing poor sleep in middle-age and older adults can lead to weaker bones, using a long-term rat model that mimics human sleep loss.

    NIH research Medical College of Wisconsin · Milwaukee, United States · NIH-11307590

  • IL-32 and premature aging in people living with HIV

    This work explores whether a blood protein called IL‑32 is linked to early aging problems like heart disease, weak bones, and frailty in people living with HIV.

    NIH research Centre Hospitalier de L'universite de Montreal (University of Montreal Hospital) · Montreal, Canada · NIH-11094103

  • How chronic sleep deficiency affects bone health in aging adults

    This study is looking at how not getting enough sleep can affect bone health in older adults, using rats to see how sleep loss might lead to weaker bones and more fractures, with hopes that the results will help us understand the importance of good sleep for our bones as we age.

    NIH research Medical College of Wisconsin · Milwaukee, United States · NIH-11060972

  • Gamma delta T cells and their role in inflammation related to HIV and aging

    This study is looking at how certain immune cells called gamma delta T cells might play a role in inflammation for people with HIV and those who are aging, especially in connection with Alzheimer's disease, to help us understand how gut health and immune responses could affect brain health and memory.

    NIH research Boston University Medical Campus · Boston, United States · NIH-10939760

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.