Effect of Insect-derived Protein Supplements on Protein Synthesis and mTORC1 Activation

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Effect of Food Supplement

In brief

The purpose of this study is to determine the ability of insect-derived protein supplements (IPC80 and Whole Buffalo Powder Ynsect®) to activate the mTORC1 pathway and protein synthesis in muscle cells. To achieve this aim, participants will consume a supplemental dose (0.25 g/kg body weight) of IPC80,Whole Buffalo Powder or whey protein. Blood samples will be drawn before and 15, 30, 60 and 90 minutes after the supplementation. Protein synthesis will be assessed using stably transfected C2C12 muscle cells with a plasmid (pcDNA3 luciferase) and to determine the ability of a protein source to activate mTORC1, stably transfected C2C12 muscle cells with a plasmid (pcDNA3-TOP luciferase) where the luciferase mRNA contains a 5'TOP. 5'TOP which is specifically regulated by mTORC1 activity will be used.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT05457218

Run by

University of California, Davis

People needed

20

Starts

2022-10-01

Expected to finish

2024-09-30

Last updated by the study team

2026-05-08

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 30. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Healthy active male or female
• Normal weight (BMI between 18 and 25 kg/m2)

You may not qualify if…

• Receiving any medication that may interfere with the study.
• Health or dietary restrictions that would be affected by the supplementation protocol.
• Allergy to shellfish (the chitins in the mealworm exoskeleton can activate shellfish allergies)

Where it is running

• Hickey Laboratory — Davis, California, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

Trial information comes from ClinicalTrials.gov and is refreshed daily. TrialsForMe does not provide medical care and does not run the studies it lists.