Improving the function of aging blood stem cells
Official title: Preserving bone marrow niche integrity and function to rejuvenate aged hematopoietic stem cells
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11087651 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects the blood-making stem cells in our bodies and is exploring a special molecule called Netrin-1 that might help fix these cells and improve their function, which could be really helpful for older adults who need better blood cell production.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $633,009 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166512-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087651 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing age-related decline in blood cell production or related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or do not have age-related hematopoietic conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging affects hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are crucial for producing blood cells. It focuses on a signaling molecule called Netrin-1 that may help rejuvenate aged HSCs by repairing DNA damage and restoring their function. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind the aging of the bone marrow niche that supports these stem cells and to explore Netrin-1 as a potential therapeutic target for enhancing blood cell regeneration in older individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve blood cell production and overall health in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: While some studies have explored rejuvenation of stem cells, the specific approach using Netrin-1 is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Butler, Jason Mathew — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Butler, Jason Mathew
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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.