How aging affects the mechanics of the bladder
Official title: The interplay between active and passive mechanics in the aging bladder
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-10827248 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects the bladder's strength and function, especially how the bladder's muscle cells work with their surroundings, to help find better ways to treat common bladder issues like urinary retention in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $439,535 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG085874-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10827248 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who experience lower urinary tract symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 or do not experience any urinary tract symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the aging process alters the mechanical properties of the bladder, particularly focusing on the interactions between smooth muscle cells and the surrounding extracellular matrix. By using advanced techniques like optogenetics and multiphoton microscopy, the researchers aim to develop new methods to test bladder mechanics in a laboratory setting. The goal is to better understand the causes of lower urinary tract symptoms, such as urinary retention, which are common in older adults. This work could lead to improved treatments for bladder dysfunction associated with aging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that alleviate lower urinary tract symptoms in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding bladder mechanics, but this specific approach using optogenetics and advanced microscopy is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Calve, Sarah — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Calve, Sarah
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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.