Investigating how certain proteins affect aging and brain health
Official title: Pioneer transcription factors in aging and neurodegeneration
Funded at Buck Institute for Research on Aging · NIH-11088238 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins called FOXO might help us understand aging and diseases like Alzheimer's, with the hope of finding ways to keep our brains healthy as we get older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Buck Institute for Research on Aging NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Novato, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $518,201 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG073411-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088238 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those at risk for or experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and do not have any age-related cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of FOXO transcription factors in the aging process and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. By studying how these proteins regulate gene networks at the chromatin level, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could help maintain healthy aging and prevent cognitive decline. The team will analyze changes in FOXO activity as individuals age and how these changes relate to neurodegeneration. This work could lead to new strategies for improving health outcomes in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into preventing or mitigating age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of transcription factors in aging, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Buck Institute for Research on Aging
Novato, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Webb, Ashley E — Buck Institute for Research on Aging
- Study coordinator: Webb, Ashley E
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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.