How mobile DNA activity affects genes and aging
Genetic and genomic effects of increased transposition
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11172399
Researchers are looking at whether bursts of mobile DNA activity speed up aging by studying gene changes in fruit flies.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WALTHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11172399 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses fruit flies to model how retrotransposons—mobile pieces of DNA—become more active with age. Scientists will genetically increase transposon activity in flies and follow lifespan, movement, and tissue health to see if extra transposition produces aging signs. They will map where transposons insert in the genome and measure how gene expression and cellular function change in aging tissues. The goal is to determine whether transposon activity is a cause or a consequence of aging to guide future work relevant to human age-related disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is laboratory research in fruit flies and does not enroll human participants or require patient volunteers.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatments or clinical trials for age-related diseases are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new molecular targets to slow or prevent age-related decline.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in animals and cell models have reported increased retrotransposon activity with age, but causal links to aging symptoms remain unproven.
Where this research is happening
WALTHAM, UNITED STATES
- BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY — WALTHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MARR, MICHAEL THOMAS — BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: MARR, MICHAEL THOMAS
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.