How fasting affects aging and diabetes through cellular changes
Official title: Fatty acid remodeling of the translatome during fasting and aging
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10887330 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how fasting might help slow down aging and lower the chances of getting diseases like type 2 diabetes by changing how our cells work, and it could lead to new ways to improve health for people as they get older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $123,309 |
| NIH project number | 1K99AG087723-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10887330 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults interested in dietary interventions to manage or prevent aging-related conditions, particularly those at risk for type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute or severe metabolic disorders unrelated to aging or fasting may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of fasting on cellular processes that may slow aging and reduce the risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes. It focuses on how fasting triggers specific changes in protein translation within cells, particularly through a protein called eIF4E, which plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression related to metabolism. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify new therapeutic targets that could help prevent age-related health issues and improve overall healthspan. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to dietary or therapeutic interventions based on fasting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new strategies to prevent aging-related diseases and improve health in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the effects of fasting on aging and metabolic health, suggesting that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Haojun — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Yang, Haojun
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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.