NIH-funded research R21 grant

Exploring circular RNAs in sepsis and organ failure related to aging

Official title: Novel Targets in aging-associated sepsis and organ failure

Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-10933755 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how special RNA molecules might help us understand and treat sepsis and organ damage in older adults, especially when they get infections, to find better ways to help them recover.

More Aging research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston University Medical Campus
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startAugust 15, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$449,625
NIH project number1R21AG087977-01
Project IDNIH-10933755 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are at higher risk for pneumonia and infections, particularly those with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Less likely to help

Patients who are younger and do not have a history of severe infections or respiratory distress may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of circular RNAs in sepsis and organ damage, particularly in older adults. It aims to understand how these unique RNA molecules can serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for conditions like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). By studying the immune response in aging populations, the research seeks to identify new strategies to improve patient outcomes in those suffering from infections caused by gram-negative bacteria. The approach involves analyzing immune cells from both young and old mice to uncover differences in inflammatory responses.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new diagnostic tools and treatments for elderly patients suffering from severe infections and ARDS.

How similar studies have gone: While the role of circular RNAs is a relatively novel area of investigation, previous studies have shown promise in using RNA-based approaches for understanding and treating various diseases.

Where this research is happening

  • Boston University Medical Campus
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Jin, Yang — Boston University Medical Campus
  • Study coordinator: Jin, Yang

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Immunometabolism and Aging in Sepsis and Sepsis Survivors

    This grant explores how metabolism and immune health affect people who have survived sepsis, with the goal of improving long‑term health and reducing future infections.

    NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11463262

  • Sepsis, aging, and brain changes in Alzheimer's disease models

    This project studies how severe infections like sepsis might worsen brain changes linked to aging and Alzheimer’s disease, using mouse models to understand potential impacts on people who might be at risk.

    NIH research University of Florida · Gainesville, United States · NIH-11393549

  • Understanding the links between sepsis, aging, and healthcare access in the U.S.

    This study looks at how things like age, other health issues, and access to good healthcare can affect the risk of getting sepsis, with the hope of finding ways to help people stay healthier and get better care.

    NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11055992

  • Reducing inflammation in older adults to protect organs during sepsis

    This study looks at how getting older can make inflammation and organ problems worse in older adults with sepsis, and it explores how a special protein called Klotho might help improve recovery, aiming to find better treatments for these patients.

    NIH research VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System · Aurora, UNITED STATES · NIH-10881666

  • How sepsis-related inflammation affects the aging brain and Alzheimer-type changes

    This research looks at whether the strong inflammation from sepsis speeds up Alzheimer-type brain changes or causes lasting thinking problems in older adults.

    NIH research University of Florida · Gainesville, United States · NIH-10699633

  • How severe infections affect brain health in older adults and those with Alzheimer's disease

    This study looks at how serious infections like sepsis might affect brain health in older adults, especially those showing early signs of Alzheimer's, to see if the body's response to infection can lead to more memory problems down the line.

    NIH research University of Florida · Gainesville, United States · NIH-10513525

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.