How urolithin A might reverse aging changes in the heart
Mechanisms underlying reversal of cardiac aging by urolithin a treatment
This project will test whether urolithin A, a compound that supports cell energy centers, can improve age-related changes in the heart in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11192758 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you are an older adult, this research aims to understand how urolithin A affects the aging heart. The team will use laboratory and animal models to study mitochondrial function, heart muscle contractility, calcium handling, and tissue structure after urolithin A treatment. They will also compare those findings to human heart cells or tissue samples when available to gauge relevance to people. Results will link molecular changes to heart performance to guide future human treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults with age-related declines in heart function or who are at higher risk for cardiovascular aging would be the most relevant candidates for related future trials or sample donation.
Not a fit: Younger people without age-related heart changes or patients whose heart problems are due to acute infection, congenital defects, or unrelated causes are less likely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to therapies that improve heart function and lower age-related heart disease risk in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and early human studies of urolithin A have shown promise for improving mitochondrial health, but applying it specifically to reversing heart aging is still new.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marcinek, David J. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Marcinek, David J.
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.