Understanding how aging affects heart health through cell changes
Official title: Role of endothelial cell senescence in age-related cardiomyopathy
Funded at East Tennessee State University · NIH-10910161 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects heart health by checking out why certain cells in our blood vessels stop working properly, and it’s especially for older adults who want to understand how to keep their hearts healthier as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Tennessee State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Johnson City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $187,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG083408-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910161 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who may be experiencing cardiovascular issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under 65 years of age or those without cardiovascular concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging impacts heart health by focusing on the role of endothelial cell senescence, which is when these cells stop dividing and start to malfunction. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind this process, particularly how a specific protein, HSPA12B, helps prevent endothelial cells from becoming senescent. By using animal models, researchers will explore how these cellular changes contribute to heart issues like hypertrophy and inflammation, which are common in older adults. The ultimate goal is to find ways to prevent or reverse these harmful changes, potentially improving heart health in aging populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating age-related heart diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cellular aging and its impact on heart health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Xiaohui — East Tennessee State University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Xiaohui
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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.