Mapping aging cells' messages in the blood
Spatial omics technologies to map the senescent cell microenvironment
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · BROWN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11208452
This project looks for molecules inside tiny blood particles that signal when cells are aged, to help people with cancer and other age-related conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BROWN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11208452 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you take part, researchers will ask for a blood sample so they can collect tiny particles called extracellular vesicles (EVs) that cells release. They will read the RNA, DNA, and protein content of those particles using sequencing and lab tests, and take very detailed images of single particles with super-resolution microscopy. The team will focus on known aging-related signals like LINE-1 and inflammatory proteins and compare findings with lung and skin tissue data from the larger project. The goal is to map how aged cells communicate with their surroundings and find blood-based markers of that process.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with cancer or other age-related conditions, as well as older healthy volunteers willing to provide blood samples.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate treatment or cure should not expect direct personal benefit from participation, and those unable to give blood would not be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to non-invasive blood tests that identify senescent (aging) cells and help guide treatments for cancer and other age-related diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies show extracellular vesicles can carry aging-related signals and biomarkers, but combining sequencing of EV cargo with single-particle super-resolution imaging is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES
- BROWN UNIVERSITY — PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NERETTI, NICOLA — BROWN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: NERETTI, NICOLA
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.
Conditions: Cancers