This National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) encourages applications that support innovative projects aimed at studying the spectrum of activities of skeletal muscle in health and disease that are beyond its role in contraction and locomotion. Research areas include, but are not limited to:
- Studies to determine the mechanisms of heat production by resting skeletal muscle.
- Studies to identify and characterize the function of myokines and other factors secreted by skeletal muscle that act as endocrine and paracrine signals to other tissues and organs.
- Projects aimed at further advancing understanding of the role of muscle as an amino acid store.
- Studies of the metabolism of skeletal muscle and its effects on glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity.
- Projects to further explore the function of skeletal muscle as a sensory organ.
- Studies of the cross-talk between muscle and bone through biomechanical, biochemical, neuronal and other pathways.
Award amounts are unlimited, but need to reflect the actual needs of the project. The maximum project period is five years. The program follows the R01 schedule and applications are due February 5, June 5 and October 5. For more information, see the link below: