How targeted cell cleanup (selective autophagy) affects aging and health
Role of Selective Autophagy in Organismal Health
Researchers are looking at whether boosting selective autophagy — the cell's targeted cleanup of damaged proteins and mitochondria — can help improve health as organisms age.
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 ID | NIH-11330203 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses laboratory experiments in small animals and molecular studies to understand how the autophagy receptor p62 controls selective removal of damaged proteins and mitochondria. The team alters p62 levels and monitors effects on protein aggregates, cell health, and lifespan and healthspan in model organisms. They also test how stress treatments that normally improve longevity rely on p62-driven selective autophagy in specific tissues such as neurons. Results will clarify whether turning on targeted cellular cleanup in particular tissues can protect against age-related decline.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: There are no current human participants for this preclinical research; future clinical work would likely enroll older adults at risk for age-related conditions.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatments for acute illnesses or conditions unrelated to aging are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify molecular targets to boost cell cleanup and guide therapies that slow age-related damage and disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal work, including evidence that p62 overexpression promotes autophagy and extends lifespan in C. elegans, supports the approach, but translation to humans remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Novato, United States
- 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
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.