How aged cells contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome

The Role of Cellular Senescence in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

['FUNDING_R01'] · MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER · NIH-11238565

This project tests whether clearing out aged 'senescent' cells in the wrist's connective tissue can reduce scarring and nerve pressure for people with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11238565 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Researchers are studying tissue from people with carpal tunnel to look for signs of 'senescent' (aged) cells and the inflammatory signals they release. They grow cells from the subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT) in the lab and treat them with drugs called senolytics (dasatinib + quercetin) to see if markers of aging and fibrosis decrease. The team also examines immune signals like interferon-gamma that may allow these cells to evade clearance and drive scarring. Findings could point toward drug approaches to limit or reverse the fibrosis that squeezes the median nerve.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome who are willing to provide tissue samples or participate in future clinical tests of senolytic treatments.

Not a fit: People with longstanding, severe nerve damage, carpal tunnel caused by unrelated injuries or inflammatory diseases, or those who cannot safely take senolytic drugs may not receive benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to drug treatments that reduce fibrosis and relieve carpal tunnel symptoms, potentially offering non-surgical options.

How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies and early work in other fibrotic conditions show senolytic drugs can lower senescence and fibrosis markers, but benefit for carpal tunnel in people remains unproven.

Where this research is happening

ROCHESTER, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.