# Neuroprotection within the aging mammalian neuromuscular system

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2021 · $242,250

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
In humans, the age-related decline in neuromuscular function is associated with loss of muscle mass
(sarcopenia), increased frailty and a degradation of both health and quality of life. The only known treatments
are life-style based, including exercise and diet. Rodent models have been used to demonstrate age-related
changes at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) including the fragmentation, remodeling and eventual
denervation of muscle. We have recently demonstrated the power of homeostatic plasticity to preserve
neuromuscular anatomy and function, with dramatic effects on organismal health, behavior and lifespan in
rodent models of neurodegenerative disease. We refer to this as “Homeostatic Neuroprotection”. We propose
that homeostatic neuroprotection also functions at the aged synapse, normally counteracting the insidious
effects of age-related neuromuscular decline. We will determine whether homeostatic neuroprotection can be
potentiated to combat sarcopenia and age-related frailty in rodent models, paving the way to new therapeutic
approaches in human.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10190392
- **Project number:** 1R21AG072220-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** GRAEME W DAVIS
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $242,250
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-05-15 → 2023-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10190392

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10190392, Neuroprotection within the aging mammalian neuromuscular system (1R21AG072220-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10190392. Licensed CC0.

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