Imaging senescent cells in the body
Official title: PET tracer for imaging senescence
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10885191 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to see old, inactive cells in the body that can cause health problems, which could help doctors better understand and treat diseases related to aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | July 10, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $194,579 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EB034967-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10885191 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with age-related diseases or conditions associated with cellular senescence, such as cancer, diabetes, or neurodegenerative disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute conditions unrelated to aging or cellular senescence may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new imaging technique to visualize senescent cells, which are cells that have stopped dividing and can contribute to various diseases. By creating a PET tracer that targets these cells, the study aims to improve our understanding of their role in aging and disease processes. The approach involves using advanced imaging technology to detect and analyze the presence of senescent cells in living tissues, which could lead to better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Patients may benefit from this research as it could enhance the ability to monitor and treat conditions associated with cellular senescence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools for diseases related to aging and cellular senescence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing imaging techniques for senescent cells, but this specific approach using PET tracers is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rao, Jianghong — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Rao, Jianghong
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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.