Investigating how ceramide signaling affects healthy aging and tau-related diseases in mammals
Official title: Targeting Ceramide Signaling: Enhancing Healthy Aging and Combating Tauopathy in Mammals
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11072163 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a lack of growth hormone might affect how long we live and how healthy we feel as we age, using mice to see if lowering certain fats in the body can help improve health and longevity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $753,728 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG085793-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072163 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who may be experiencing accelerated aging or age-related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are under 21 years old or do not have age-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between growth hormone deficiency and longevity using mouse models. It focuses on how ceramides, a type of lipid, influence various aging-related processes such as insulin resistance and inflammation. By examining the effects of reducing ceramide levels through genetic and pharmacological methods, the study aims to uncover new ways to enhance healthspan and lifespan. The findings could lead to innovative treatments that improve aging outcomes in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that promote healthier aging and combat age-related diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting lipid signaling pathways for improving healthspan and longevity, suggesting this approach has potential.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Liou — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Sun, Liou
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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.