Investigating how DNA changes affect aging cells
Official title: Probing relationships between DNA methylation and cellular senescence with high-throughput CRISPR-based epigenetic editing
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10746453 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in DNA might affect the aging of cells, which can help us understand why cells stop dividing and how that impacts our bodies, using a special tool called CRISPR to make those changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $231,600 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG077193-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10746453 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing age-related conditions or diseases linked to cellular senescence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute conditions unrelated to aging or cellular senescence may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between DNA methylation and cellular senescence, a process where cells stop dividing and can affect surrounding tissues. Using advanced CRISPR technology, researchers will modify specific DNA sites to determine if these changes directly influence the aging process in cells. By conducting high-throughput screenings, they aim to identify which DNA modifications are causally linked to cellular senescence and how these changes impact gene expression and cellular function. This work could lead to a better understanding of aging at the cellular level.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for delaying cellular aging and improving tissue health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using CRISPR technology for epigenetic modifications, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Qi, Lei Stanley — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Qi, Lei Stanley
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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.