How blood cell communication affects aging in the body
Official title: Disrupted Communication Between Blood Cells and Non-blood Organs as a Mediator of Aging Pathologies
Funded at Harvard University · NIH-11092880 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in the way blood cells talk to other parts of the body might cause health problems as we get older, and it aims to find new ways to help treat age-related issues like heart, brain, and muscle problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $638,028 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AG086163-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092880 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 85 and older who may be experiencing age-related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 85 or those without age-associated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in communication between blood cells and other organs may contribute to health issues in older adults. By using a novel gene editing technique, the study will introduce specific mutations into blood cells of mice to observe how these changes affect age-related diseases in organs like the heart, brain, and muscles. The goal is to understand the mechanisms behind age-associated dysfunction and identify potential targets for intervention. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for age-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating age-related diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of blood cells in age-related diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wagers, Amy Jo — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Wagers, Amy Jo
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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.