Molecular signals of aging with BTEX exposure across aging
Official title: Molecular Mechanisms of Multi-Organ Communication in Response to VOC Exposure Across Aging
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-11446506 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant asks how common air pollutants like benzene and friends speed aging in adults and affect brain and body health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | August 20, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $797,804 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES038236-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11446506 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older who may be exposed to urban BTEX pollution and whose data could reflect aging-related changes.
✕Less likely to help
People without exposure to BTEX or with non-aging-related health issues may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how long-term exposure to BTEX chemicals found in urban air changes aging processes in both the brain and other organs. They will use human-relevant models and advanced molecular techniques to map changes in DNA methylation and other epigenetic marks, and to understand how immune and brain cells respond. The work aims to connect pollution exposure with accelerated aging and declines in cognitive and metabolic function, with a focus on aging hallmarks like inflammation and cellular senescence. A multidisciplinary team at Wayne State University will pursue three aims to uncover cellular and molecular mechanisms and potential biomarkers of BTEX-driven aging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify biomarkers and mechanisms linking air pollution to accelerated aging and cognitive/metabolic risks, informing prevention and public health strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous animal studies show BTEX can drive aging-like changes; this project translates those findings to human biology and aging markers.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sadagurski, Marianna — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Sadagurski, Marianna
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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.