Understanding how aging affects heart health and function
Official title: Autophagy and Megamitochondria in Cardiac Aging and Heart Failure
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10825546 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects heart health by exploring how the body's natural cleanup process slows down and how this might lead to heart problems, especially in older adults, with hopes of finding new ways to help keep hearts healthy as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $473,020 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL157265-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10825546 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing heart health issues or those at risk of cardiovascular diseases due to aging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and do not have any cardiovascular risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between aging and heart health, focusing on how the process of autophagy, which helps remove damaged components from cells, declines with age. Researchers are examining the role of mitochondria, the energy-producing structures in cells, and how their dysfunction contributes to heart diseases in older adults. By studying aged mouse hearts, the team aims to uncover the molecular changes that occur with aging and how they impact cardiac function. The ultimate goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve heart health in the aging population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance heart function and reduce the risk of heart disease in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of autophagy and mitochondrial function in aging, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gustafsson, Asa B. — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Gustafsson, Asa B.
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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.