How aging cells and immune inflammation affect metabolism
Tissue senescence and age-associated metabolic dysfunction: the role of immune cell mediated inflammation
Researchers are exploring whether inflammation caused by aging cells and changes in the immune system leads to metabolism problems in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11250003 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how senescent (aged) cells release inflammatory signals that draw in immune cells and may harm metabolism. The team uses experiments in mice and laboratory analyses to track T cells and macrophages in fat and liver and to test whether removing or changing these immune cells lowers tissue inflammation and improves blood sugar and metabolic measures. They will also study how aging of the immune system itself makes it harder to clear damaged cells and may worsen local inflammation. Results could point to ways to reduce age-related inflammation and help metabolic health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults with age-related metabolic problems (for example obesity-related insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, or fatty liver disease) would be the most relevant group for eventual trials stemming from this work.
Not a fit: Younger people or patients whose metabolic issues are unrelated to age-driven inflammation are less likely to benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that reduce age-related inflammation and improve metabolic health such as insulin resistance or fatty liver.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies suggest clearing senescent cells or altering immune cell activity can improve metabolism in mice, but translating these approaches to humans is still early and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lesniewski, Lisa a — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Lesniewski, Lisa a
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.