Investigating how aging affects protein behavior in cells
Official title: Nuclear speckle liquid-liquid phase separation dynamics in senescence and aging
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11041127 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how getting older affects proteins in our cells, especially how misfolded proteins can cause problems, and it uses tiny worms called C. elegans to help understand these changes and their impact on cell health as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AG080998-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11041127 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing age-related health issues or conditions linked to protein misfolding.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and do not exhibit signs of aging or related health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between aging and the behavior of proteins within cells, specifically focusing on how misfolded proteins can disrupt cellular functions. It examines a process called liquid-liquid phase separation, which is crucial for maintaining healthy cellular environments. By studying the dynamics of nuclear speckles, which are structures involved in protein regulation, the research aims to uncover how aging impacts these processes and contributes to cellular senescence. The study utilizes a model organism, C. elegans, to observe these phenomena in a controlled setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into aging-related diseases and potential therapeutic strategies to improve cellular health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding protein dynamics and aging, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dion, William Aaron — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Dion, William Aaron
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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.