Understanding and Rejuvenating Brain Stem Cells in Aging

Molecular Regulation of Stem Cell Aging

['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · NIH-11103185

This project looks at how brain stem cells change with age, especially in conditions like Alzheimer's, hoping to find ways to make them work better again.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_P01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11103185 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Our brains have special cells called neural stem cells that can create new brain cells and help with learning, memory, and repairing injuries. As we get older, these stem cells become less active, which might contribute to problems like Alzheimer's disease. This research aims to discover the metabolic changes that happen in these stem cells during aging and explore how we might 'reprogram' them to restore their youthful function. By understanding these processes, we hope to develop strategies to slow down the decline of brain function and improve the brain's ability to repair itself as we age.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but focuses on understanding age-related brain changes relevant to adults, particularly those concerned with or affected by Alzheimer's disease.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical interventions or direct treatment for their current condition would not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that rejuvenate brain stem cells, potentially slowing or reversing age-related cognitive decline and improving outcomes for conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of systematically characterizing metabolic changes for stem cell reprogramming is novel, previous interventions like diet and exercise have shown some success in partially reversing neurogenic decline.

Where this research is happening

LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.