A new test to measure telomere length for diagnosing aging-related diseases
Official title: Single telomere length analysis using DNA array and FISH: a low-cost and accurate test for telomere-associated diseases
Funded at Telohealthdx LLC · NIH-10816046 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, affordable test to measure telomere length, which can help doctors better diagnose conditions related to aging, like aplastic anemia, especially for older patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Telohealthdx LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Clarksburg, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $448,961 |
| NIH project number | 1R41AG085701-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10816046 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults or individuals with symptoms of telomere-associated diseases such as aplastic anemia or dyskeratosis congenita.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with telomere-associated diseases who have already received a definitive diagnosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a low-cost and accurate test to measure the length of telomeres, which are protective caps on the ends of chromosomes. Telomere length is important for diagnosing telomere-associated diseases, particularly in aging populations. The proposed method uses DNA arrays and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) to provide detailed profiles of telomere lengths from small DNA samples. This approach aims to improve diagnostic accuracy for conditions like aplastic anemia and other premature aging syndromes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of telomere-associated diseases, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that telomere length testing can aid in diagnosing certain conditions, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Telohealthdx LLC
Clarksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zheng, Yun-Ling — Telohealthdx LLC
- Study coordinator: Zheng, Yun-Ling
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.