Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston received a $429,000 Project Grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) under the Aging Research program (CFDA 93.866), effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. This exploratory research project investigates the intervention of endothelial senescence in limb muscle ischemia using exercise mimetics to address peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a major age-related cardiovascular condition characterized by vascular regression, muscle ischemia, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The research will employ unique transgenic mouse models, including muscle-specific estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERRG) transgenic mice and inducible endothelial-specific telomerase knockout mice, along with gene therapy approaches targeting estrogen-related receptors alpha and gamma (ERRA/ERRG) to evaluate whether activation of these receptors can reverse age-related muscle decline and mitigate geriatric PAD through exercise-mimicking mechanisms.

The project deliverables include scientific research outputs examining the effect of exercise mimesis on preventing or reversing muscle decline and vascular senescence in aging populations. By elucidating the molecular pathways underlying age-related impairment in ischemic recovery and identifying potential therapeutic targets through exercise-mimicking interventions, this research aims to advance understanding of geriatric PAD pathophysiology and establish a foundation for non-surgical treatment approaches for older adults with limited access to conventional rehabilitation or endovascular surgery options.