3D maps of aging cells in the human pancreas
Three-dimensional maps of senescence in the human pancreas
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11187275
This project will make detailed three-dimensional maps of aging (senescent) cells in adult human pancreas tissue to learn where they live and what molecular features they have.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11187275 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers will use donated adult human pancreas tissue and advanced 3D imaging combined with molecular tests to locate and characterize senescent cells across the organ. They will build a new integrated platform that links spatial transcriptomics and proteomics information into three-dimensional maps rather than just flat tissue slices. Artificial intelligence and image-analysis algorithms will help identify patterns and the exact positions of these aging cells within complex pancreatic structures. The team will also extend the approach to similarly complex tissues such as breast and ovary to compare where and how senescent cells appear.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults (age 21+) who can consent to donate pancreatic tissue samples, such as people undergoing pancreatic surgery or organ/tissue donors.
Not a fit: People under 21, those unable or unwilling to donate tissue, or anyone seeking an immediate therapy would not directly benefit from participating in this mapping work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these maps could help researchers target senescent cells more precisely and lead to better prevention or treatments for age-related conditions like diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using 2D spatial-omics have found and characterized senescent cells in tissues, but true 3D molecular mapping of the human pancreas is a new and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WU, PEI-HSUN — JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: WU, PEI-HSUN
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.