Investigating how aging and obesity affect brain immune cells

Reversing age-related epigenetic changes and characterizing microglia heterogeneity in obesity and aging

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · NIH-11030284

This study is looking at how getting older and being overweight affects brain immune cells, and it hopes to find out if giving younger blood to older mice can help improve brain health, which could lead to new ways to prevent or treat memory problems as we age.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11030284 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how aging and obesity influence the behavior of microglia, the immune cells in the brain. It aims to explore the epigenetic changes that occur in these cells as we age and how these changes can potentially be reversed by introducing younger plasma into older mice. By examining the differences in microglial populations at a single-cell level, the study seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind neuroinflammation and its impact on brain health. Patients may benefit from insights gained about preventing or treating age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing cognitive decline or obesity-related issues.

Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing age-related cognitive decline or obesity may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for reversing age-related cognitive decline and improving brain health in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in reversing age-related changes in various biological systems, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.