Using stem cells to treat muscle loss in older adults
Official title: hiPS cells derived skeletal muscle progenitors and their extracellular vesicles for treatment of sarcopenia
Funded at University of South Florida · NIH-11004990 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special stem cells can be used to help rebuild muscle in older adults who are losing muscle strength due to aging, and it’s testing a new treatment to see if it can make these stem cells work better for muscle repair.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2021 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $276,751 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG070145-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004990 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing muscle loss or weakness due to sarcopenia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing muscle loss or those with conditions unrelated to muscle degeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to create muscle progenitor cells that can help regenerate skeletal muscle in older adults suffering from sarcopenia, a condition characterized by muscle loss. The approach involves pharmacologically reprogramming these stem cells using a small molecule called givinostat, which enhances their ability to differentiate into muscle cells and produce extracellular vesicles that aid in muscle repair. The study aims to determine the effectiveness and safety of these reprogrammed cells in regenerating aged muscle tissue and improving muscle function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that restore muscle mass and strength in older adults, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using stem cells for muscle regeneration, but this specific approach using pharmacological reprogramming is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Florida
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xuan, Wanling — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Xuan, Wanling
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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.