Label-free laser imaging to find aging (senescent) cells in tissues
Single-cell label-free identification of senescence by Raman microscopy and spatial genomics
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · NIH-11180414
This project uses a special light-based imaging method plus genetic mapping to find and track aging cells in human tissues so researchers can learn how they affect age-related conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CAMBRIDGE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11180414 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work uses Raman microscopy, a label-free light-based imaging method that can image single cells without destroying them. Researchers combine those images with single-cell genetic and molecular maps (like RNA and ATAC profiles) and machine learning using a tool called Raman2RNA to predict which cells are senescent. They plan to build detailed maps of senescent cells across different tissues and follow changes over time. That could help explain where harmful aging cells collect and how they contribute to disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People willing to donate tissue samples or participate in imaging/biopsy programs—especially older adults or patients with age-related tissue or brain conditions—would be the best candidates to contribute.
Not a fit: Young, healthy people with no interest in tissue donation or patients whose conditions are unrelated to tissue-level senescence are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help scientists and clinicians pinpoint and track harmful aging cells to guide new treatments for age-related diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Single-cell molecular mapping has already revealed new cell states, but using label-free Raman imaging to infer RNA and senescence is a novel and early-stage approach.
Where this research is happening
CAMBRIDGE, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY — CAMBRIDGE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SO, PETER T. — MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- Study coordinator: SO, PETER T.
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 below.