Investigating how DNA in cells causes inflammation and aging
Official title: Role of cytosolic DNA-induced sterile inflammation driving cellular and organismal progeria/aging hallmarks
Funded at Saint Louis University · NIH-10901042 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain DNA in our cells can cause inflammation that speeds up aging and related diseases, especially in kids with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, to find new ways to help improve their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Saint Louis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $378,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG082759-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901042 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome or those experiencing accelerated aging symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with typical aging processes or those without genetic predispositions to accelerated aging may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of cytosolic DNA in triggering inflammation that contributes to aging and related diseases, particularly focusing on Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS). The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind the accumulation of cytosolic DNA and its effects on cellular health and tissue deterioration. By examining the roles of specific proteins involved in inflammation, the researchers hope to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve health outcomes for individuals with progeria and possibly other aging-related conditions. The approach includes both laboratory experiments and animal models to validate findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve health and longevity in patients with progeria and potentially other age-related diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting inflammation pathways to improve healthspan and lifespan in animal models, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gonzalo Hervas, Susana — Saint Louis University
- Study coordinator: Gonzalo Hervas, Susana
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Aging Well with HIV: Alcohol, Risk Reduction, and Education Center (AWAR3E)
A center at Yale is exploring how aging with HIV interacts with alcohol use to create inflammation and frailty, with the goal of finding biomarkers and potential treatments.
-
Cognitive SuperAging: Exploring why some octogenarians stay sharp in memory
This NIH grant studies why a small group of people aged 80+ keep memory skills as good as much younger people, hoping to understand how to protect memory as we age.
-
Biological aging across the lifespan through a national high school-to-adult study
This grant uses a long-running national study of students and adults to collect saliva biomarkers of aging, alongside surveys, to understand how aging markers relate to health and life experiences.
-
Understanding how aging and Alzheimer’s affect how people make tough choices
This NIH grant studies how aging and Alzheimer’s risk change how people decide between immediate and delayed rewards and risky options, with the goal of helping older adults stay financially and healthwise safer.
-
Understanding how brain resilience and multiple brain pathologies influence aging and Alzheimer's disease
A long-term study follows older adults to learn how resilience to brain changes helps reduce dementia risk and what biological factors are linked to better cognitive aging.
-
National Neighborhood Data Archive helps researchers study aging health in U.S. neighborhoods
A nationwide data resource will help researchers understand how where people live affects health and aging, with a focus on respiratory illnesses in older adults.
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.