Understanding how aging affects lung cell regeneration
Official title: Mechanisms of regenerative decline in aged alveolar type 2 cells
Funded at Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-10995145 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how aging affects certain lung cells that help keep your lungs healthy, to find out why they don't work as well as we get older, and to discover new ways to help treat lung problems that come with age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $36,138 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HL168966-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995145 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who may be experiencing age-related lung conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without respiratory issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the decline in regenerative abilities of specific lung cells, known as alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells, as people age. It focuses on how aging impacts these cells' ability to renew themselves and produce other important lung cells, which is crucial for maintaining healthy lung function. The study utilizes advanced sequencing techniques to analyze the genetic and molecular changes in these cells, particularly looking at the role of immune factors that may inhibit their growth. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for age-related lung diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance lung cell regeneration in older adults, improving their respiratory health.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding cellular aging and regeneration, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jensen, Jake — Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Jensen, Jake
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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.