Understanding how aging affects cancer development through advanced tissue analysis

Building a spatial transcriptomics infrastructure for isoform profiling in aging pre-neoplastic tissues

NIH-funded research Jackson Laboratory · NIH-10911290

This study is looking at how aging affects our cells and genes, especially in relation to breast cancer, to help find new ways to understand and treat the disease better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJackson Laboratory NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Bar Harbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10911290 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the cellular and molecular changes that occur with aging and how they contribute to the initiation of cancer, particularly breast cancer. By utilizing spatial transcriptomics, the study aims to uncover the expression patterns of genes within the context of tissue structure, which is crucial for understanding cancer progression. The research focuses on identifying full-length spliced isoforms that are often overlooked in traditional RNA sequencing methods, which may play a significant role in tumor initiation and response to treatment. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how aging influences cancer biology and potential new therapeutic targets.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are at risk for developing breast cancer or have pre-neoplastic conditions.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger and do not have a history of breast cancer or pre-neoplastic conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for age-related cancers, particularly breast cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using spatial transcriptomics to understand cancer biology, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into aging-related cancer mechanisms.

Where this research is happening

Bar Harbor, 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.
Conditions Breast CancerCancersneoplasm/cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.