Creating a model to study how aging affects disease progression
Official title: Engineered hybrid aging model for disease progression
Funded at University of Notre Dame · NIH-11085256 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects diseases like cancer and heart problems, using a special 3D model that mimics older human tissues to help find better treatments for older patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Notre Dame NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Notre Dame, United States) |
| Project start | June 13, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $462,702 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA275423-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085256 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who are at risk for age-related diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without age-related diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the aging process influences the development and progression of diseases like cancer and cardiovascular conditions. By engineering a 3D model that mimics the aged human microenvironment, researchers aim to better understand how age-related changes in tissue affect disease outcomes. The approach involves using decellularized extracellular matrix from aged human tissues and implanting it into mice to study tumor behavior and drug responses. This innovative model could lead to more effective treatments tailored for older patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for diseases that disproportionately affect older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using engineered tissue models to study disease, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zorlutuna, Pinar — University of Notre Dame
- Study coordinator: Zorlutuna, Pinar
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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.