Turning centenarian genes into drug targets to help people age healthier
Genetic variant-based drug discovery targeting conserved pathways of aging
This project uses DNA from people who lived past 100 to find gene changes that could lead to drugs helping older adults stay healthier and resist age-related diseases like Alzheimer's and diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11161511 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are comparing DNA from a large group of centenarians to find rare genetic changes linked to long, healthy lives. They focus on genes and pathways already tied to longevity, such as IGF‑1R, SIRT6, FOXO3A, ATM, and components of the NF‑κB pathway, and will expand whole-exome sequencing across multiple centenarian cohorts. Laboratory studies will test how those variants affect cells and animal models and then screen for drugs that mimic the protective effects. The overall aim is to advance promising targets toward drug development that could one day prevent or delay conditions like Alzheimer's disease and adult-onset diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are centenarians or older adults willing to provide DNA samples, medical records, and possibly brief clinical information for inclusion in longevity genetics research.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatments for diagnosed Alzheimer's disease or diabetes should not expect direct or immediate benefit, since this work focuses on discovery and early-stage preclinical development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could identify drug targets that slow age-related decline and reduce the risk or severity of Alzheimer's, diabetes, and other age-related conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Work in model organisms has repeatedly extended lifespan by targeting these pathways and earlier human genetics studies have found protective variants in centenarians, but turning those findings into human therapies remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vijg, Jan — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Vijg, Jan
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.