Award
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 5R01DK139663-02
Role of Activin Type II Receptor Signaling in Muscle Hypertrophy, Obesity, and Weight Loss
Recipient
University of Pennsylvania
Award Amount
$752,121.00
Ceiling
$752,121.00
Awarded
December 15, 2025
Identifier
5R01DK139663-02
Research project funded by NIDDK to study activin type II receptor signaling's role in muscle hypertrophy and obesity, aiming to develop therapies for effective weight loss that preserve muscle mass.
Description
The project aims to define the molecular mechanisms downstream of activin type II receptor signaling relevant to metabolic health. It explores the potential benefits of genetic or pharmacological blockade of this pathway, alone or combined with anorexic agents like GLP-1/GIP agonists, for weight loss in obesity. The research investigates how ActRII blockade affects muscle and adipose tissue physiology and whole-body energy metabolism, with the goal of developing therapies that maximize fat loss while preserving or increasing lean muscle mass.