Patterns of somatic mutations in long-lived bats and what it means for aging
Official title: Patterns and Mechanisms Underlying Somatic Mutations Across Long-Lived Bats
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11396549 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will study how somatic mutations accumulate in various bat species to understand aging and longevity and what this could mean for human aging in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00AG088361-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11396549 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with age-related conditions or healthy older adults who could contribute biospecimens or participate in future translational studies relevant to aging biology.
✕Less likely to help
Not every participant will directly benefit; the study focuses on mechanisms in bats and may not translate immediately to treatments.
What this research studies
This project compares somatic mutation patterns across bat species with different lifespans to identify DNA repair mechanisms linked to longevity. By collecting matched skin tissue samples from many individuals, the team will look for mutational spectra that correlate with longer lifespans and potential genes involved. The work uses comparative genomics and modern molecular approaches to reveal how longevity-associated mutations are shaped, with potential implications for human aging. If successful, findings could point toward new avenues to promote healthy aging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of aging biology could inform strategies to promote healthier aging in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous comparative genomics work suggested links between mutation rates and longevity, but this project aims to expand power and species coverage to strengthen or refine those findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vazquez, Juan Manuel — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Vazquez, Juan Manuel
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.