Titolo progetto: PRIN 2017 - NeuAge - neuromuscular ageing: mechanisms and functional implications

Programma di finanziamento: PRIN: progetti di ricerca di rilevante interesse nazionale – Bando 2017

Responsabile scientifico: prof. Bruno Grassi

Ruolo del DAME: partner

Descrizione generale:

Ageing of the motor system is characterized by a decline in neuromuscular control and a progressive loss of muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia) leading to reduced mobility, increased risk of falls and of loss of independence. Age-related alterations in neuromuscular junction (NMJ) seem to play a key-role in the musculoskeletal impairment that occurs with ageing. Whether changes in the NMJ precede or follow muscle deterioration remains yet to be established. Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, denervation/reinnervation of muscle fibers, and mechanical properties of the motor units probably play an important role in NMJ degeneration and in the decline of neuromuscular function in older age. Our project tackles neuromuscular ageing with a systems level approach, by taking advantage of a scientific team covering a broad range of expertise, from molecular to integrative and clinical expertise. The project addresses 1) the relationship between muscle denervation, reinnervation and sarcopenia and the underlying mechanisms, 2) the impact of neuromuscular deterioration on motor function, physical performance and muscle aerobic metabolism, 3) the reversibility of neuromuscular deterioration and oxidative metabolism impairment by exercise training and nitrate supplementation.

Partner del progetto:

• Università degli Studi di Padova
• Università degli Studi di Pavia
• Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
• Università degli Studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”
• Università degli Studi di Parma
• Università degli Studi di Udine

Date inizio e fine progetto: 1.09.2019 - 28.08.2023

Budget totale del progetto: 189.519,00 €

Sito web: www.miur.gov.it