How inositol phosphate affects aging through nutrient signaling
Official title: Unconventional regulation of mTORC1 signaling by inositol phosphate: implications for nutrient-induced premature aging
Funded at University of South Alabama · NIH-11050072 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a natural substance called IP6 might help slow down aging by affecting a specific cell signaling pathway, especially when there's too much sugar around, and it hopes to find ways to improve health and longevity for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Alabama NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mobile, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $45,634 |
| NIH project number | 7R21AG071975-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050072 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in the effects of nutrition on aging and those who may be experiencing age-related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not concerned about aging or do not have any metabolic conditions related to nutrient processing may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a small metabolite called inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) influences the mTORC1 signaling pathway, which is linked to cellular aging. By understanding how excess glucose affects this pathway, the study aims to explore whether targeting IP6 synthesis can help prevent premature aging and promote longevity. The research will involve both laboratory experiments and in vivo assessments to determine the potential benefits of manipulating this metabolic pathway. Patients may benefit from insights gained about dietary influences on aging and health span.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing premature aging and improving health span through dietary modifications.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting IP6 in relation to mTORC1 is novel, previous studies have shown that manipulating mTORC1 signaling can positively impact aging in various animal models.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Alabama
Mobile, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rameh-Plant, Lucia — University of South Alabama
- Study coordinator: Rameh-Plant, Lucia
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How life circumstances affect brain aging in people with end-stage kidney disease
This project looks at how neighborhood, income, education, and personal resilience relate to earlier memory and thinking problems in adults with end-stage kidney disease.
-
Mitigating HIV-Associated Premature Aging with Cannabinoids
A doctor-scientist team is testing whether cannabis-based anti-inflammatory effects can slow aging-related brain changes in people living with HIV.
-
Targeting aging pathways to help people living with HIV live longer, healthier lives
A patient-centered research project aims to slow aging-related health problems in people with HIV by studying how aging mechanisms work and testing strategies to slow inflammation and aging.
-
Premature aging in World Trade Center responders
Researchers are studying whether responders to the 9/11 cleanup experience faster aging at a biological level, which could affect their health as they get older.
-
Prelamin A's link to early-onset and normal aging
Researchers are looking to see if buildup of a protein called prelamin A drives bone loss and heart vessel disease in people with premature aging syndromes and in normal aging.
-
How life circumstances affect memory and thinking in people with end-stage kidney disease
Researchers will look at how social and economic factors relate to memory and thinking problems across adults with end-stage kidney disease.
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.