AI to find genes and signals behind exceptional longevity
AI models of multi-omic data integration for ming longevity core signaling pathways
We are building AI that combines many types of biological data from very old people to find genes, pathways, and medicines that help people live longer and stay healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11376323 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses large collections of biological data from people who live to very old ages, including DNA, epigenetics, gene activity, proteins, metabolites, microbiome and clinical health records. Researchers will create advanced AI models to integrate these different data types and find combinations of genetic and molecular signals that appear to protect against aging and age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's. The team will prioritize existing drugs that might fix risky signaling pathways and check promising findings by comparing results across cohorts and with laboratory follow-up. The overall aim is to point to biological targets and candidate medicines that could be tested in people to help prevent disease and extend healthy lifespan.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults or members of longevity cohorts who can share health records and biospecimens, especially those interested in contributing data to research on aging and Alzheimer's risk.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate clinical treatment or those unwilling or unable to provide health data or biological samples are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify protective biological targets and repurposable drugs that lower risk or delay onset of age-related diseases and guide future prevention or treatment trials.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier studies using single or limited omics have found some protective variants, but comprehensive AI-driven multi-omics integration focused on centenarians is relatively new and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Fuhai — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Li, Fuhai
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.