Project description
Uncovering the role of glial cells in age-related muscle loss
Sarcopenia is associated by the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength with ageing. A key feature of the condition is the degeneration of neuromuscular junctions, the connections between nerves and muscles. Glial cells, known to support nerve regeneration following injury, may also play an important role in age-related neuromuscular decline, but this remains largely unexplored. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the GLI-AGE project investigates glial cell activity in aged muscle using high-resolution spatial gene expression technology. The goal is to identify molecular targets implicated in sarcopenia progression, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies for preserving neuromuscular function and improving quality of life in older adults.
Objective
Sarcopenia, marked by the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength due to aging, presents a significant public health challenge. Despite its increasing prevalence, treatment options remain limited, focusing primarily on exercise and nutraceuticals. Sarcopenia shares several pathological features with nerve injury-induced muscle atrophy, including neuromuscular junction (NMJ) degeneration. Recent studies have shown that muscle-resident Plp1+ glial cells rapidly activate a neurotrophic program in response to nerve damage. However, despite their established role in nerve regeneration, the involvement of these cells in age-related NMJ loss and muscle atrophy remains largely unexplored.
The GLI-AGE project aims to explore the potential involvement of glial cells in age-related sarcopenia. It will utilize HD Spatial Gene Expression technology (HD-ST), a cutting-edge technique that combines advanced sequencing and high-resolution imaging to map glial cell activity and interactions in aged and geriatric mice. The project’s main objectives are: (1) to spatially characterize glial cell networks in aged muscle compared to young muscle, and (2) to validate their regenerative potential by identifying molecular targets (in-vivo and in-vitro) that may be implicated in the progression of sarcopenia.
Through its multidisciplinary approach, GLI-AGE seeks to uncover novel therapeutic targets to preserve neuromuscular function and slow muscle degeneration in the elderly. The project’s findings could pave the way for innovative strategies to maintain muscle health, reduce frailty, and enhance the quality of life for older adults, aligning with Horizon Europe’s goal of promoting healthy and active aging.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
75654 Paris
France
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.