Exploring how certain flatworms can rejuvenate and resist aging
Official title: Uncovering cellular and molecular adaptations for whole-organism rejuvenation
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10910697 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special flatworm can heal itself and stay young, hoping to find ways to help people regenerate tissue and fight age-related issues in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,359,000 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2AG093210-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910697 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals interested in advancements related to aging and regenerative medicine.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute conditions unrelated to aging or regenerative processes may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms that allow a specific type of flatworm, Schmidtea mediterranea, to regenerate and resist aging. By studying how these organisms manage to maintain their regenerative capabilities without suffering from age-related tissue degradation, the research aims to uncover potential interventions that could enhance tissue regeneration in humans. The approach involves analyzing genetic and signaling pathways that contribute to their unique aging process, which may lead to breakthroughs in treating age-associated diseases. Patients may benefit from insights gained in this study that could inform future therapies for aging and related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve regenerative capacity and quality of life for aging patients.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been successful studies on aging in short-lived organisms, this research is novel as it focuses on a highly regenerative organism with resistance to age-associated diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Benham-Pyle, Blair Whitney — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Benham-Pyle, Blair Whitney
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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.