How aging cells affect scarring around implants across the lifespan
Senescence in the Foreign Body Response Across Lifespan
This project looks at whether aged 'senescent' cells change how the body scars around implanted materials and how that differs by age and sex.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11264928 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are mapping rare aging cells called senescent cells that appear around implanted materials and contribute to scarring. They will use genetically engineered mice that label senescent cells, single-cell lab methods, and computer learning to identify which cell types become senescent and how they communicate with immune cells. The team will compare young and older animals and examine sex differences to see why fibrosis varies with age. The findings aim to point toward signals or targets that could one day reduce implant-related fibrosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have or are considering implants (for example breast implants) or who experience implant-related scarring would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without implants or whose scarring is due to unrelated injuries or diseases may not directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to ways to reduce scarring and complications from implants, improving comfort and implant lifespan.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies indicate senescent cells can drive fibrosis, but using single-cell signatures and lifespan comparisons to map their communication is a newer approach with limited prior human translation.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elisseeff, Jennifer H — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Elisseeff, Jennifer H
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 below.