Reversing age-related DNA tags to revive older stem cells
Targeting H4K20 methylation to rejuvenate aged stem cell epigenome and regenerative function.
This work tries to change age-related chemical tags on DNA to refresh older muscle and blood stem cells so they repair tissue better in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11168787 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's viewpoint, researchers are studying one specific chemical mark on DNA (called H4K20 methylation) that changes with age and may make stem cells less able to repair tissue. In the lab they use mice, cell experiments, controlled exercise, imaging, and genomic tests to see whether altering that mark or giving small drugs can restore stem cell 'youth' and improve recovery after muscle injury. They measure how well muscle and blood-forming stem cells return to a normal, resting state and how well tissues heal. The goal is to translate these findings into ways to reduce age-related muscle weakness and chronic inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The eventual target population would be older adults with age-related muscle weakness or impaired recovery after injury who might benefit from stem cell-restoring treatments.
Not a fit: Younger adults or people whose conditions are not related to aging-driven stem cell decline are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to treatments that restore stem cell repair in older people, improving muscle healing and lowering age-related inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: Related epigenetic and exercise-based approaches have rejuvenated stem cells in animal studies, though translating those results into human treatments is still at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blanc, Romeo Sebastien — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Blanc, Romeo Sebastien
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.