Creating a rat model to study the effects of telomerase on aging and diseases.
Development of a Rat Model to Investigate the Physiology of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase alternative splicing isoforms
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-11142050
This study is looking at special versions of a gene called TERT in rats to see how they might influence aging and diseases like heart problems and cancer, which could help us find new ways to improve health as we get older.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11142050 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a transgenic rat model to explore the physiological roles of different splice variants of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) in aging and related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. By comparing a catalytically inactive variant with a full-length version of TERT, the study aims to understand how these variants affect cellular health and mitochondrial function. This could provide insights into potential interventions for age-related conditions. The research will utilize advanced genetic engineering techniques to create and phenotype these rat models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults at risk for age-related diseases such as cardiovascular issues or cancer.
Not a fit: Patients with acute or non-age-related conditions may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating age-related diseases, improving health outcomes for older adults.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using TERT splice variants in a rat model is novel, previous research has shown promise in understanding telomerase functions in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR — ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LUDLOW, ANDREW TODD — UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- Study coordinator: LUDLOW, ANDREW TODD
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.
Conditions: adult onset diabetes, Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus, age associated disease, age associated disorder, age dependent disease