How tiny cell recycling tubes (lysosomes) affect aging and disease
Official title: Tubular lysosomes in health and disease
Funded at Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge · NIH-11260338 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research looks at special tubelike lysosomes in cells to learn how boosting their activity might help people stay healthier as they age and reduce problems like heart disease, cancer, and dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baton Rouge, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2020 |
| Project end | February 28, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $472,500 |
| NIH project number | 2R35GM138116-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11260338 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People affected by age-related conditions (for example heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, or related chronic illnesses) or those willing to provide samples for research would be most relevant to this line of work.
✕Less likely to help
Young, healthy people without age-related conditions or those with diseases unrelated to aging processes are less likely to see direct benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
From my perspective, the lab studies long, interconnected lysosomes that help cells break down and recycle materials and watches how they change with age. Researchers use cells and animal models and study genes that control these tubular lysosomes to see what keeps them working well. They test ways to restore or enhance lysosome structure and function to prevent tissue degeneration seen in aging. Over time the work could point to drugs or treatments that protect organs affected by age-related diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to therapies that slow age-related tissue damage and lower risk or severity of multiple age-related diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies in cells and animals show that improving lysosome activity can boost tissue health and lifespan, but direct clinical therapies targeting lysosomes are still limited.
Where this research is happening
-
Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Alyssa — Louisiana State Univ A&m Col Baton Rouge
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Alyssa
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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.