How selective autophagy affects health as we age
Official title: Role of Selective Autophagy in Organismal Health
Funded at Buck Institute for Research on Aging · NIH-11078706 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a process called selective autophagy, which helps keep our cells healthy, might improve our health as we get older, especially by focusing on a protein called p62, and it aims to share helpful insights for patients about staying healthy in their later years.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Buck Institute for Research on Aging NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Novato, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $478,549 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG072791-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078706 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over the age of 21 who are interested in age-related health improvements.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute or non-age-related health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of selective autophagy, a process where specific cellular materials are degraded to maintain cellular health, particularly in the context of aging and age-related diseases. By studying a protein called p62, which has been shown to enhance autophagy and promote healthspan in model organisms, the research aims to uncover how this mechanism can be harnessed to improve health outcomes in humans. The approach involves both laboratory experiments and analysis of cellular processes to understand the benefits of selective autophagy on aging. Patients may gain insights into how enhancing autophagy could potentially lead to better health as they age.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving health and longevity in aging individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using autophagy modulation to improve health outcomes in model organisms, suggesting potential for success in human applications.
Where this research is happening
-
Buck Institute for Research on Aging
Novato, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hansen, Malene — Buck Institute for Research on Aging
- Study coordinator: Hansen, Malene
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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.