Understanding how aging affects blood cell mutations and health outcomes
Official title: Clonal Hematopoiesis Aging Resiliency Mechanisms
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10973752 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in your blood cells as you get older can lead to a condition called clonal hematopoiesis, and it aims to find out why some older people stay healthy even with these changes, so it’s for anyone interested in understanding how aging affects health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,349,483 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG088657-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973752 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older, particularly those with a history of blood-related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without any evidence of clonal hematopoiesis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how DNA mutations in blood cells, which increase with age, can lead to a condition known as clonal hematopoiesis (CH). The study aims to identify mechanisms that contribute to resilience against the negative health impacts of CH, which is linked to various age-related diseases. By analyzing blood samples from older individuals, the researchers will explore the genetic and environmental factors that influence the rate of clonal expansion and its association with health outcomes. This work could provide insights into why some elderly individuals remain healthy despite the presence of these mutations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of age-related diseases linked to blood cell mutations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding clonal hematopoiesis and its implications for health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bick, Alexander — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Bick, Alexander
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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.