Investigating how estrogen-sensitive brain neurons can help reduce frailty in aging women
Official title: Targeting Estrogen-Sensitive Hypothalamic Neurons to Reverse Frailty in Aging Females
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10872941 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells that react to estrogen can help older women stay active and healthy after menopause, and it hopes to find ways to boost these cells to improve their overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $444,541 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG086774-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10872941 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are aging females, particularly those experiencing menopause or related health declines.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not female or who are not experiencing age-related frailty may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific neurons in the hypothalamus that respond to estrogen influence physical activity and metabolism in aging females. By using advanced gene activation techniques, the study aims to stimulate these neurons in order to counteract the decline in physical activity that often occurs after menopause. The goal is to explore whether enhancing the function of these neurons can improve health outcomes and reduce frailty in older women. Patients may benefit from insights into how hormonal changes affect their physical health and activity levels.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving physical activity and overall health in aging women, potentially reducing frailty and associated health risks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using gene activation techniques to influence physical activity and health outcomes, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ingraham, Holly a. — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Ingraham, Holly a.
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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.