Human-like telomere biology mouse model for aging and cancer
Official title: A mouse model with humanized telomere homeostasis
Funded at Washington State University · NIH-11382803 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A mouse model is being developed to mimic human telomere maintenance so scientists can study aging and cancer more accurately.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pullman, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $438,643 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG073423-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11382803 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to patients directly; this is a preclinical model study to improve human disease research.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient benefit during the animal study itself.
What this research studies
This project creates a mouse with a humanized telomere system to better reflect how human cells age and how cancer develops. Researchers have replaced the mouse Tert gene with a humanized version and will study how this affects telomere length and disease processes. The work aims to provide a more relevant platform for testing aging-related therapies and cancer biology in a living organism. Results could improve our understanding of age-related diseases and help identify new treatment strategies. The project is conducted at Washington State University under the supervision of Jiye Zhu.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the model could accelerate discoveries in aging and cancer that translate to human health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous models have shown that humanizing telomere biology in mice can yield more human-like aging and cancer processes.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington State University
Pullman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Jiyue — Washington State University
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Jiyue
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.