NIH-funded research Career grant

Understanding how aging affects blood cell development and disease risk

Official title: Determinants of Myeloid Clonal Evolution

Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10994134 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how getting older affects our blood cells and the chance of developing blood disorders, especially focusing on a genetic marker that might help protect against blood cancers, and it’s particularly aimed at understanding this in African American women.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project startJanuary 5, 2023
Project endDecember 31, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$171,720
NIH project number5K08HL163468-03
Project IDNIH-10994134 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include adults over 21 years old, particularly those with a family history of blood disorders or who are of African American descent.

Less likely to help

Patients with no history of blood disorders or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how aging influences the development of blood cells and the risk of blood disorders. It focuses on the role of telomere length, a genetic marker, in the evolution of clonal hematopoiesis, which can lead to conditions like myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative disorders. The study will analyze data from a diverse group of participants, particularly African American women, to identify genetic mutations that may protect against blood cancers. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to improve early detection and prevention strategies for blood-related diseases.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention of blood disorders associated with aging.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding clonal hematopoiesis and its implications for blood disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Johns Hopkins University
    Baltimore, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Schratz, Kristen E — Johns Hopkins University
  • Study coordinator: Schratz, Kristen E

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.