How riboflavin depletion affects aging and lifespan
Official title: Physiology of Lifespan Extension and Metabolic Hormesis with Riboflavin Depletion
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11018552 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how reducing riboflavin, a vitamin, affects aging and lifespan in tiny worms and mice, with the hope of finding new ways to help people live healthier as they get older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $169,176 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AG078447-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11018552 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include older adults experiencing age-related metabolic issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute riboflavin deficiency or those not experiencing aging-related conditions may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of riboflavin depletion on aging and lifespan using the model organism C. elegans, along with murine cell lines and mouse models. The study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that contribute to lifespan extension associated with riboflavin depletion. By understanding how riboflavin is utilized and transported in cells, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets for aging-related conditions. Patients may benefit from insights gained into metabolic processes that influence aging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for extending healthy lifespan and improving metabolic health in aging populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the biology of aging through similar metabolic approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yerevanian, Armen I — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Yerevanian, Armen I
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Global TravEpiNet: Pregnant Travelers Health and Disease Prevention Network
This grant supports a national network to improve health and prevent infections among international travelers, with a special focus on pregnant travelers.
-
Soluble ST2 and the course of lung injury in ARDS
A doctor-scientist at a top hospital is studying how a molecule called soluble ST2 may influence how lung injury starts and heals in patients with ARDS and related conditions.
-
Role of airway macrophages in lung health and allergic disease
A doctor-scientist at a major hospital wants to study how immune cells in the airways develop and influence asthma and other airway diseases.
-
Global TravEpiNet: Understanding and Protecting US Travelers, including Pregnant Travelers
A large U.S. network studies international travelers, including pregnant travelers, to understand illness risks and reduce the spread of infections.
-
Gait speed from wearable sensors to guide ALS trials
A patient-friendly look at using wearable sensors to measure how fast people with ALS walk, to help run better ALS trials.
-
Determinants of Post-Stroke Cognitive Outcomes and Vascular Effects on Recovery
A large, multi-site effort aims to understand why some stroke survivors develop long-term cognitive problems and dementia, and how vascular health and pre-existing brain changes influence recovery.
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.