How sensing damaged DNA affects immune cell health and aging
Official title: Cytosolic DNA sensing instructs resident macrophage vitality and organismal longevity
Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-10901044 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in our bodies react to damaged DNA and how this might affect aging and long-term inflammation, which could help us understand age-related diseases and how to stay healthier as we get older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $408,600 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG082812-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901044 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults experiencing chronic inflammation or age-related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute inflammatory conditions unrelated to aging may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the immune cells known as resident macrophages respond to damaged DNA and its implications for aging and chronic inflammation. By utilizing advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, the study aims to understand the role of specific signaling pathways (cGAS/STING) in maintaining the health and function of these immune cells across various tissues. The findings could reveal how these processes contribute to age-related diseases and overall longevity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing immune cell function and reducing age-related diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of cGAS/STING signaling in cellular aging, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharma, Shruti — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Sharma, Shruti
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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.