# Single cell activation dynamics as a predictor and regulator of aged MuSC dysfunction.

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2020 · $156,625

## Abstract

Project Summary
During tissue repair, many stem cell populations undergo a dynamic phenotypic change from a quiescent state
to an activated state. In muscle stem cells (MuSCs), this dynamic activation process is essential for effective
tissue regeneration. Despite the conserved nature of these activation processes, the dynamics of stem cell
activation and their contribution to disease states remains largely unknown. We have generated single cell
assays that allowed us to study state transitions of adult and aged MuSCs during activation. These results
support a conceptual view of the aged stem cell phenotype as a combination of pathological steady-states and
deficiencies in cell state dynamics. This provides us with the opportunity to identify factors that rejuvenate MuSC
function during aging. In this project we will examine the role of physiological rejuvenation interventions on
MuSC heterogeneity and activation state transitions. Understanding how rejuvenation interventions control
MuSC activation response is critical for the effective treatment of the ever-expanding aged population.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9891934
- **Project number:** 5R21AG063416-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** Andrew S Brack
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $156,625
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-02-01 → 2021-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9891934

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9891934, Single cell activation dynamics as a predictor and regulator of aged MuSC dysfunction. (5R21AG063416-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9891934. Licensed CC0.

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