How calorie restriction affects aging and heart health through mitochondrial DNA changes
Official title: Calorie Restriction, Mitochondrial DNA Heteroplasmy, Cardiometabolic Profiles, and Biological Aging
Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-10788975 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how eating fewer calories might affect aging and heart health by checking changes in your body's energy-making DNA, and it could help you understand how adjusting your diet might improve your health over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $467,416 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG085086-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10788975 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in the effects of calorie restriction on aging and those at risk for cardiometabolic diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not interested in dietary changes or those with severe metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how calorie restriction (CR) may influence biological aging and cardiometabolic health by examining changes in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The study utilizes existing blood samples from a previous trial to analyze mtDNA heteroplasmic mutations at multiple time points. By understanding the relationship between CR and mtDNA integrity, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could enhance longevity and reduce disease risk. Patients may gain insights into how dietary changes could impact their health over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide valuable insights into dietary interventions that promote healthier aging and reduce the risk of cardiometabolic diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies, such as the CALERIE trial, have shown promising results regarding the effects of calorie restriction on biological aging and health markers.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ma, Jiantao — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Ma, Jiantao
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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.