How alcohol affects aging in blood stem cells
Official title: Understanding the aging process in hematopoietic stem cells by alcohol-induced DNA damage
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10930959 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drinking alcohol might harm the DNA in the blood-making cells in our bodies, especially as we get older, and it aims to find out which genes help fix that damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $194,453 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AA030864-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930959 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who consume alcohol moderately and may be experiencing age-related blood health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or are not experiencing age-related blood disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how alcohol consumption can lead to DNA damage in hematopoietic stem cells, which are crucial for blood formation. By using cell-based and animal models, the study aims to identify specific genes that help repair this damage and to understand if older stem cells are more susceptible to the effects of moderate alcohol intake. The researchers will employ advanced techniques like CRISPR screening and single-cell RNA sequencing to explore these mechanisms. This work could provide insights into the relationship between alcohol consumption and aging in blood cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potential interventions for age-related blood disorders linked to alcohol consumption.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that DNA damage from various sources can impact stem cell function, but this specific focus on moderate alcohol consumption and its effects on aging is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jung, Moonjung — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Jung, Moonjung
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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.