Human lung and heart tissue bank for aging research
Biospecimen-Core
This project collects and shares carefully preserved human lung and heart tissues from people of different ages so scientists can map how these organs change with age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176259 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you donate tissue, the Biospecimen Core collects whole lung and heart specimens and prepares precision-cut tissue slices and purified cells under strict standard procedures. Each sample is clinically annotated and pathologically reviewed, with efforts to minimize handling-related damage and follow broad donor consent. The core is run through IRB-approved protocols at multiple sites (including University of Pittsburgh, Ohio State University, and University of Rochester) and follows NIH best practices for biorepositories. Samples will be cataloged and distributed to researchers building detailed maps of cellular aging in lung and heart tissue.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal donors include people across the lifespan who can provide tissue through surgery, organ donation, or agreed post-mortem donation, including both healthy individuals and those with heart or lung conditions.
Not a fit: This project does not offer direct clinical treatment, so patients seeking immediate therapeutic benefit will not gain direct medical benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this resource will help researchers understand organ aging and speed development of better prevention and treatments for heart and lung diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Biorepositories and tissue banks with similar methods have successfully supported many discoveries, so this builds on established, proven practices rather than a wholly untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rojas, Mauricio — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Rojas, Mauricio
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.