DNA and epigenetic damage linked to aging and Alzheimer's across species
Genome and epigenome stability in long- and short-lived animal species
Researchers are comparing how DNA and epigenetic damage builds up in cells from long- and short-lived animals to learn how those changes relate to aging and Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11182544 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You can think of this work as comparing cells from many species to see how quickly random DNA and epigenetic errors appear and persist. The team collects primary cells from up to 50 species, exposes them to controlled g-radiation to provoke damage, and then measures changes. They use advanced single-cell, single-molecule, and long-read sequencing to detect mutations, structural variants, DNA methylation shifts, and transcript changes. By comparing short- and long-lived species, they aim to spot patterns that connect faster accumulation of damage to aging and Alzheimer's-related biology.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although mostly lab-based, people with Alzheimer's disease or age-related cognitive decline could benefit from the findings and might be candidates for later biomarker or clinical follow-up studies.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment changes are unlikely to get direct benefit because the project focuses on basic lab research using animal and cell samples.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal biological fingerprints of aging and Alzheimer's that help develop better biomarkers or new targets for treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier studies by this team and others have shown links between somatic mutation rates and species lifespan, but applying new single-cell and long-read methods across many species is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vijg, Jan — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Vijg, Jan
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.