How the nervous system affects aging in blood stem cells
Regulation of hematopoietic stem cell niche aging by the sympathetic nervous system
This project explores how our nervous system influences the aging of blood-forming stem cells, which could help us understand and prevent age-related blood disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11093555 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As we get older, the stem cells that make our blood can lose their ability to regenerate, which might lead to blood disorders and weaker immune systems. This project explores how our nervous system, specifically the sympathetic nervous system, plays a role in this aging process within the bone marrow. Researchers have found that nerve changes in the bone marrow can speed up stem cell aging, while certain medications have shown promise in rejuvenating these cells in animal models. The goal is to uncover the specific ways nerve signals control the aging of these vital blood-forming stem cells and their surrounding support cells, potentially leading to new strategies to maintain healthy blood production throughout life.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who experience age-related blood disorders or a decline in immune function due to aging may eventually benefit from the insights gained from this fundamental research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options will not directly benefit from this foundational research, as it focuses on understanding basic biological mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to keep our blood-forming stem cells healthy as we age, potentially preventing blood disorders and improving immune function.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has shown that manipulating nerve signals can influence the aging of blood stem cells in animal models, suggesting a promising direction for this research.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marianovich, Maria — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Marianovich, Maria
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.