Investigating how aging affects the structure and function of basement membranes in the body
Official title: Understanding the Mechanisms and Consequences of Basement Membrane Aging in Vivo
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11030839 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the support structures in our tissues change as we get older, using tiny worms to see how these changes affect our health, with the hope of finding ways to keep our tissues working well as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $78,892 |
| NIH project number | 5F32AG077907-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030839 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over the age of 21 who are interested in understanding the biological processes of aging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute or non-age-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how basement membranes, which are crucial for tissue support and function, change as we age. Using a model organism called C. elegans, the study aims to visualize and manipulate the components of basement membranes to see how these changes impact tissue health. By examining the accumulation of specific proteins and their effects on various bodily functions, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind age-related tissue decline. This could lead to insights into how to maintain tissue function in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating age-related tissue dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach using C. elegans for basement membrane aging is novel, similar studies have successfully used model organisms to understand aging processes.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramos-Lewis, William David — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Ramos-Lewis, William David
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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.