Using gut bacteria to help prevent muscle loss in older adults.
Official title: Using the gut microbiome to treat disuse atrophy in aging.
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-10900959 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might help older adults keep their muscles strong when they can't move around, like after an injury or surgery, by testing if transferring gut contents from active mice can make a difference.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $43,612 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AG087618-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10900959 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are at risk of muscle loss due to immobilization from injuries or surgeries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not elderly or those who do not experience immobilization-related muscle loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the gut microbiome can be utilized to combat muscle loss due to immobilization in older adults. It focuses on understanding the relationship between gut bacteria and muscle health, particularly during periods when individuals are unable to move, such as after an injury or surgery. The study will involve transferring gut contents from exercise-trained mice to those experiencing muscle atrophy to see if this can help maintain muscle size and function. By analyzing metabolites produced by gut bacteria, the research aims to identify specific compounds that may support muscle health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help older adults maintain muscle mass and function, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in using gut microbiome interventions to influence muscle health, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burke, Benjamin — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Burke, Benjamin
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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.