Using gut bacteria to help treat muscle loss
Official title: Using the gut microbiome to treat skeletal muscle atrophy
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11073142 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut can affect muscle health, especially for people who have lost muscle strength due to not being active, getting older, or being sick, and it hopes to find new ways to help muscles recover and grow better, even if someone can't exercise much.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $458,907 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AR084282-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073142 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adult women experiencing muscle atrophy due to aging, disuse, or conditions like cancer cachexia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing muscle atrophy or those with conditions unrelated to muscle health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the gut microbiome, the collection of bacteria in our intestines, can influence muscle health, particularly in cases of muscle atrophy caused by disuse, aging, or disease. The approach involves studying the effects of gut bacteria on muscle mass and strength, especially when combined with resistance exercise. By understanding the relationship between gut health and muscle function, the research aims to develop new treatments that could enhance muscle recovery and growth, even for those unable to exercise effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that help patients regain muscle strength and mass, improving their overall health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the gut microbiome's role in muscle health, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccarthy, John Joseph — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Mccarthy, John Joseph
Related research
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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.