Using Laminin protein therapy to treat a specific type of muscular dystrophy
Official title: Laminin protein therapy for the treatment of Laminin-alpha2 deficient congenital muscular dystrophy
Funded at University of Nevada Reno · NIH-11064072 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special protein called Laminin-111 might help people with Laminin-α2-related Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (LAMA2-CMD) by supporting their muscles and improving strength, with hopes of turning these findings into a helpful treatment for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nevada Reno NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Reno, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $363,484 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS136281-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064072 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Laminin-α2-related Congenital Muscular Dystrophy, particularly those experiencing muscle weakness from birth.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of muscular dystrophy or those without a diagnosis of LAMA2-CMD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Laminin-α2-related Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (LAMA2-CMD), a severe neuromuscular disease that leads to muscle weakness from birth. The study aims to investigate the use of Laminin-111, a protein similar to the missing Laminin-α2, to support muscle structure and function in affected individuals. By using a mouse model, researchers have shown that Laminin-111 can reduce muscle damage and improve strength, potentially extending life expectancy. The goal is to translate these findings into a treatment that could benefit patients with LAMA2-CMD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic option that significantly improves muscle function and life expectancy for patients with LAMA2-CMD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using similar approaches in animal models has shown promising results, indicating potential for success in human applications.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nevada Reno
Reno, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burkin, Dean J. — University of Nevada Reno
- Study coordinator: Burkin, Dean J.
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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.