Boosting healthy aging by targeting the mTOR pathway
Novel longevity enhancing pathways regulated by mTOR
This research looks at whether targeting the mTOR pathway and increasing a molecule called H19 can slow cellular aging and help stem cells, which may support healthier aging and lower Alzheimer’s risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11302652 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use laboratory models to study how the drug rapamycin and related mTOR inhibitors change levels of a long noncoding RNA called H19 and how that affects cellular senescence and stem cell function. They will map downstream molecular pathways controlled by mTOR and H19 to find new targets that could be safer or more effective than broad mTOR inhibition. The team also plans to identify markers that could be used to track individual responses to mTOR-targeting treatments. The goal is to translate these molecular findings into better strategies to promote healthy aging and reduce age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be older adults or people at increased risk for age-related cognitive decline who might later be eligible for clinical trials of mTOR-targeting therapies.
Not a fit: People with advanced, late-stage Alzheimer’s or conditions unrelated to aging biology are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new drug targets and monitoring markers that help develop safer mTOR-based therapies to support healthy aging and lower Alzheimer’s risk.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies show mTOR inhibitors like rapamycin can extend lifespan and reduce age-related decline, but connecting those benefits specifically to H19 is a newer and less-tested idea.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Drexel University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sell, Christian — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Sell, Christian
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.