Mapping aging (senescent) cells in brain and skin
A Multi-scale Atlas of Senescence in Diverse Tissue Types
Researchers are creating detailed 3-D maps of aging cells in adult human brain and skin to learn how they change with age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11380513 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be part of a project that uses donated human tissue to make detailed, three-dimensional maps showing where aging (senescent) cells live in brain and skin. Scientists will use advanced lab methods like spatial genomics, single‑nucleus RNA sequencing, and multiplexed protein imaging to read genes and proteins from individual cells while keeping their location in the tissue. Samples come from adult donors across the lifespan and from partner sites, and the work combines wet-lab experiments with computational analysis to build an atlas. These maps aim to reveal which cell types become senescent and how that varies by tissue and age.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 and older who can provide skin samples, consent to tissue donation, or agree to post‑mortem donation are the most suitable participants for contribution.
Not a fit: People looking for an immediate therapy are unlikely to benefit directly because this project focuses on mapping biology rather than testing a treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for treatments that reduce harmful effects of senescent cells and slow age-related tissue damage.
How similar studies have performed: Related spatial genomics and single-cell projects have successfully mapped many human tissues, but applying these tools specifically to map senescent cells across brain and skin is a newer effort.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Phatnani, Hemali — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Phatnani, Hemali
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.