Understanding muscle deterioration in a model of nemaline myopathy
Official title: The contributions of excitation and contraction to muscle deterioration in a Drosophila model of CFL2 nemaline myopathy
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10829207 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called cofilin-2 affects muscle strength in people with nemaline myopathy, a rare muscle disease, using fruit flies to help find new ways to improve treatments for this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $52,366 |
| NIH project number | 5F30HD111309-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10829207 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with nemaline myopathy or those with genetic predispositions to muscle disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with muscle disorders unrelated to actin filament dysfunction may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind muscle weakness in nemaline myopathy, a rare skeletal muscle disease. Using a Drosophila model, the study focuses on the role of cofilin-2, an important protein for muscle function, and how its alteration affects muscle contraction and signaling. By analyzing gene expression related to excitation-contraction coupling, the research aims to uncover the molecular pathways that lead to muscle deterioration. Patients may benefit from insights that could inform future treatments or therapies for this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of nemaline myopathy and potential new therapeutic strategies for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach in this research is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding muscle diseases through genetic and molecular analysis.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Christophers, Briana — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Christophers, Briana
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.