How aging affects the regulation of estrogen production
Official title: Post-translational regulation of aromatase in aging
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10805402 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the way our bodies make estrogen changes as we get older and how that might relate to conditions like Alzheimer's disease, with the hope of finding new ways to help manage age-related health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $77,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AG080356-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10805402 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, particularly those experiencing cognitive decline or at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or do not have any cognitive impairments or risk factors for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the regulation of aromatase, the enzyme responsible for converting androgens to estrogens, changes with age and its implications for conditions like Alzheimer's disease. The study focuses on the CYP19A1 gene and its role in estrogen biosynthesis, exploring how estrogen signaling can impact various tissues, including the brain. By examining the molecular mechanisms that control aromatase expression, the research aims to uncover potential links between estrogen regulation and aging-related diseases. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing age-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other age-related disorders by targeting estrogen regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding estrogen's role in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pruitt, Kevin — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Pruitt, Kevin
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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.