How metabolism affects aging and inflammation in the colon
Official title: Metabolic Regulation of Colonic Senescence and Pathological Implications: Epithelial and Microbial Interactions
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11041071 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a molecule called acetyl-CoA affects aging and inflammation in the colon, which could help us understand and treat related health issues for both people and mice.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $523,967 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK138355-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11041071 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults experiencing gastrointestinal issues or those with inflammatory bowel disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and do not have any gastrointestinal conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how metabolic processes influence cellular aging and inflammation in the colon. It focuses on the role of a specific molecule, acetyl-CoA, in driving cellular senescence, a state where cells stop dividing and can contribute to inflammation and tissue damage. By studying both human patients and mouse models, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind age-related and age-unrelated senescence in the colon, which could lead to better understanding and treatment of related diseases. The approach includes examining the secretion of inflammatory factors and their impact on health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for age-related diseases and inflammatory conditions affecting the colon.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of cellular senescence in various diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Yan Chun — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Li, Yan Chun
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Education and violence: Can high-dosage tutoring reduce youth violence
A large study in Chicago schools will test whether high-dosage tutoring for students can lessen youth violence by improving learning and outcomes.
-
Cognitive SuperAging: Exploring why some octogenarians stay sharp in memory
This NIH grant studies why a small group of people aged 80+ keep memory skills as good as much younger people, hoping to understand how to protect memory as we age.
-
Lens proteins, cell stress, and cataracts in kids and adults
A study aims to understand how lens proteins and cellular stress contribute to cataracts, in both humans and mice, with the goal of guiding prevention or treatment.
-
Understanding how neurons keep their identity and function for life
Scientists are studying how nerve cells maintain their distinctive identity and function from development through aging, using human-derived neurons and a simple worm model to uncover the long-term control of brain cell behavior.
-
Cardiac Sarcomere Protein Quality Control in Health and Disease
A heart-focused study looking at how heart muscle proteins get misfolded and how the cell’s cleanup system might fix this to protect heart function.
-
Communication Bridge: Improving language therapy for people with primary progressive aphasia
A proven language-therapy program called Communication Bridge helps people with primary progressive aphasia improve and maintain how they communicate with others.
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.