Understanding how aging affects blood cell formation and cancer risk
Official title: Interrogating the Clonal Architecture of Human Hematopoiesis by Mitochondrial Lineage Tracing
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11066626 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how getting older affects the blood-making stem cells in our bodies, especially how changes in their genes might lead to health problems like blood cancer, and it invites patients to help by sharing samples or information to better understand these changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $41,656 |
| NIH project number | 1F30HL177958-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066626 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, particularly those over the age of seventy, who may be experiencing blood-related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and do not have any blood disorders or related health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging impacts the function of human hematopoietic stem cells, which are crucial for producing blood cells. It focuses on the accumulation of mutations in these stem cells that can lead to clonal expansion, a condition linked to increased risks of blood cancer and other health issues. By tracing mitochondrial lineages, the study aims to uncover the relationship between genetic mutations and the inflammatory environment that affects blood cell production as people age. Patients may be involved in providing samples or data to help elucidate these mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential interventions for age-related blood disorders and cancer risks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the genetic and environmental factors influencing hematopoiesis can lead to significant advancements in treating blood cancers, indicating a promising avenue for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Poeschla, Michael — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Poeschla, Michael
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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.