How aging affects gene expression in the body
Official title: Loss of transcriptional homeostasis of genes lacking CpG islands during aging
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11077795 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the way our DNA is organized changes as we get older and how that affects the way our genes work, especially for certain genes that help control our health, to better understand aging and find ways to improve health as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $443,757 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG068179-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077795 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing age-related health issues or diseases linked to aging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are young and do not exhibit any signs of age-related deterioration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in the structure of chromatin, which is the material that makes up chromosomes, influence gene expression as we age. The study focuses on genes that lack specific regulatory regions called CpG islands, which are important for controlling gene activity. By analyzing tissue samples from different ages, the researchers aim to understand how aging disrupts normal gene regulation and contributes to age-related health issues. This could lead to insights into the biological mechanisms of aging and potential interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating age-related diseases by targeting gene expression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding chromatin changes can provide valuable insights into aging, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beck, Samuel — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Beck, Samuel
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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.