How DNA mutations build up with age in people and other primates
Comparative analyses of somatic mutational processes in primates across lifespans
This project looks at how tiny DNA changes accumulate in tissues as people and other primates grow older to learn how those changes relate to aging and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176388 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will make detailed maps of somatic (non-inherited) DNA changes in ten different tissue types collected from humans and several non-human primates across a wide range of ages and both sexes. They will use an ultra-accurate sequencing method called NanoSeq to detect rare mutations and compare mutation patterns between species. By comparing species with very different lifespans, the team aims to identify DNA-repair genes and mutation signatures that link to longer life or higher cancer risk. The work uses archived and newly collected tissue samples rather than testing treatments, and findings could guide future diagnostic or prevention strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people of different ages and sexes who can donate tissue or allow use of their stored tissue or blood samples for genetic analysis.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate new treatment or clinical therapy are unlikely to benefit directly because this is basic research mapping mutations rather than testing a therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal mutation patterns that help explain who is more likely to develop cancer or other age-related diseases and point to new ways to detect or prevent them.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked somatic mutation rates to lifespan and mapped mutations in some tissues, but this broad primate comparison using NanoSeq is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sudmant, Peter Heshedahl — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Sudmant, Peter Heshedahl
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.