Mapping aging (senescent) cells across human tissues
Spatially-resolved protein and transcriptome mapping of senescent cells
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER · NIH-11179169
Researchers are building new lab methods to find and map aging cells in human and mouse tissues so we can learn how they harm organs.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11179169 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are creating a new laboratory pipeline that combines high-resolution protein imaging and spatial RNA profiling to identify aging (senescent) cells in tissues. They will map where these cells are, the markers they express, and how many different senescent cell types exist across mouse and human tissues, with a focus on the aging brain. The team will compare molecular signals, cell shapes, and the surrounding tissue environment to build a cellular atlas of senescent states. Over time this atlas could guide development of treatments that remove or modify harmful aging cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults or people who can donate tissue or biospecimens (for example, surgical biopsies or post-mortem brain donations) to Mayo Clinic or collaborating tissue banks.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment or symptom relief are unlikely to receive direct benefit because this project focuses on lab methods and mapping rather than testing therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal specific aging cell types and locations to target with therapies that slow or reverse tissue decline.
How similar studies have performed: Related tissue-mapping technologies have successfully profiled cells in organs and early data support this combined approach, but applying these methods broadly to senescent cells is a relatively new effort.
Where this research is happening
ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES
- MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER — ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SCHAFER, MARISSA JOY — MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER
- Study coordinator: SCHAFER, MARISSA JOY
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.