How changing leptin levels affects aging and health
Official title: Effects of leptin modulation on health span and lifespan
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-10981998 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changing the levels of a hormone called leptin, which affects weight and metabolism, might help people live healthier and longer lives as they age, using mice to learn more about its effects on aging and inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $669,958 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG084646-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10981998 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing obesity or metabolic disorders related to aging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing age-related health issues or those with normal leptin levels may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how modifying leptin levels can influence both healthspan and lifespan. Leptin is a hormone that regulates body weight and metabolism, and its levels increase with age, leading to health issues. The study will use mouse models to explore the effects of leptin modulation on cellular aging and inflammation, aiming to understand how these changes can improve overall health and longevity. By examining the relationship between leptin and age-related conditions, the research seeks to identify new therapeutic strategies for enhancing health in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve health and extend lifespan by targeting leptin levels.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in manipulating leptin levels to improve metabolic health, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Shangang — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Shangang
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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.