Exploring how organ transplants between different age groups affect aging and organ function.

Understanding Interorgan Communication Through Heterochronic Organ Transplantation

NIH-funded research Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11097230

This study looks at how organs talk to each other and how their health changes as we age, especially when older organs are given to younger people and the other way around, to help improve transplant success and understand aging better.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11097230 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the communication between organs and how biological age changes with chronological age, particularly through the lens of organ transplantation. By examining cases where older organs are transplanted into younger recipients and vice versa, the study aims to understand how these interactions influence organ health and aging. The research utilizes a combination of clinical data and experimental models to explore the effects of donor and recipient age on organ function and immune response. This could lead to insights on how to improve transplant outcomes and manage aging-related changes in organ function.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who may require organ transplants or are involved in transplant programs.

Not a fit: Patients under the age of 65 or those not requiring organ transplants may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved organ transplant outcomes and strategies to mitigate age-related organ decline.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding organ aging and immune responses in transplant scenarios, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.