Understanding Muscle Weakness in Muscular Dystrophies
Official title: Costamere Defects in Muscular Dystrophies
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11047663 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how certain proteins called actins help maintain muscle structure and function in people with muscular dystrophy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2005 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $569,235 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR049899-21 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047663 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is relevant to patients with muscular dystrophies, particularly those experiencing muscle weakness and degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without muscular dystrophy or related muscle conditions would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Our muscles rely on different types of actin proteins to work correctly, with some playing a key role in muscle contraction and others in maintaining muscle structure. This project looks at less common 'cytoplasmic' actin proteins and their importance in both healthy and diseased muscle, specifically in muscular dystrophy. We are using special mouse models to see what happens when these specific actin proteins are missing or overactive. The goal is to understand how these proteins protect muscles from damage and weakness, especially during activities that strain them.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to protect muscles from damage and improve strength for individuals living with muscular dystrophy.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of these cytoplasmic actins in muscular dystrophy is a novel focus, other studies have shown the importance of actin proteins in muscle health.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ervasti, James M — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Ervasti, James M
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Improving Gene Therapies for Muscular Dystrophies
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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.