Minnesota center mapping aging (senescent) cells across human tissues
Minnesota Tissue Mapping Center for Senescent Cells
This project will map where aging cells show up in human fat, muscle, liver, and ovary to help research on age-related conditions like Alzheimer’s.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167823 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The Minnesota Tissue Mapping Center will collect human tissue samples (omental and subcutaneous fat, vastus lateralis muscle, liver, and ovary) to build a detailed, time-resolved (4D) atlas of senescent cells. Researchers will apply advanced single-cell and spatial methods to profile the cells, their secreted factors, and how immune cells interact with them. This work is part of the SenNet Consortium to compare tissues across ages and sites and to standardize maps and data. The atlas is intended as a shared resource for scientists developing therapies that target aging cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults able to provide tissue samples—such as people undergoing relevant surgeries or biopsies, or volunteers willing to donate tissue across different ages.
Not a fit: People who cannot provide tissue samples or who seek immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct medical benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help researchers design safer, more effective therapies that target aging cells to prevent or treat Alzheimer’s and other age-related diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies show that removing senescent cells can improve function and reduce age-related disease signs, but mapping and targeting these cells in humans is still relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Niedernhofer, Laura Jane — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Niedernhofer, Laura Jane
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.