Investigating how aging and obesity affect brain immune cells
Official title: Reversing age-related epigenetic changes and characterizing microglia heterogeneity in obesity and aging
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11030284 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $78,202 |
| NIH project number | 5K00AG079813-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030284 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing cognitive decline or obesity-related issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing age-related cognitive decline or obesity may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ansere, Victor Afriyie — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Ansere, Victor Afriyie
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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.