Investigating how blood energy production relates to socioeconomic factors and physical ability in older adults
Official title: Examining the relationship between blood-based mitochondrial bioenergetic capacity in frozen samples, socioeconomic position, and physical functioning
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10986179 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the energy production in our cells relates to social factors like income and education, and how these factors affect the physical abilities of older adults, using easy blood tests to help us understand what keeps people independent as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $445,144 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG084764-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986179 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 65 and older who may be experiencing changes in physical functioning related to their socioeconomic status.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under 65 years of age or those without significant socioeconomic challenges may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the connection between mitochondrial bioenergetic capacity, which is the ability of cells to produce energy, and socioeconomic factors that influence physical functioning in older adults. By analyzing frozen blood samples, the study aims to uncover how social determinants of health impact biological processes related to aging and physical performance. The approach focuses on non-invasive blood tests to measure mitochondrial function, making it more accessible for population-based studies. Understanding these relationships could help identify biological mechanisms that contribute to independence and disability in older age.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing physical function and independence in older adults by addressing underlying biological mechanisms influenced by socioeconomic factors.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on social determinants of health and physical function, this specific approach focusing on mitochondrial bioenergetics in a population-based context is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duchowny, Catherine — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Duchowny, Catherine
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.