Understanding how aging affects lung cell regeneration
Mechanisms of regenerative decline in aged alveolar type 2 cells
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 ID | NIH-10995145 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who may be experiencing age-related lung conditions.
Not a fit: Patients under the age of 65 or those without respiratory issues may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
Boston, United States
- Harvard School of Public Health — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jensen, Jake — Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Jensen, Jake
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 below.