# Ribosomal control of muscle mass: Transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms

> **NIH NIH R01** · PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE · 2024 · $337,577

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Skeletal muscle plays a fundamental role in health maintenance throughout the lifespan. Loss of muscle mass
can have long-lasting deleterious consequences leading to prolonged periods of convalescence and increased
mortality. Muscle growth and maintenance are largely determined by the ability of the muscle to synthesize
proteins, which in turn is regulated by muscle ribosome. Ribosome production is partly controlled by transcription
of ribosomal (r)RNA genes (rDNA) by RNA Polymerase I, and is modulated by the transcriptional suppressors
Rb and p130. In this proposal, we seek to understand how the removal Rb and p130 leads to enhanced
transcription of rRNA genes and muscle hypertrophy. Using a novel animal model, we report exciting preliminary
results indicating that genetic removal of Rb and p130 leads to enhanced ribosome production and skeletal
muscle hypertrophy. Using this and other supporting models, we will define novel mechanisms controlling rRNA
gene expression by studying the role of transcription and chromatin remodeling factors exerting modulatory
functions on rDNA. These studies will significantly advance the field and generate novel targets for the
development of therapies to prevent the loss of muscle mass and function.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10861926
- **Project number:** 5R01AR078430-04
- **Recipient organization:** PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE
- **Principal Investigator:** Gustavo A Nader
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $337,577
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-09-22 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10861926

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10861926, Ribosomal control of muscle mass: Transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms (5R01AR078430-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10861926. Licensed CC0.

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