Understanding how aging affects spinal disc health
Official title: Mechanisms of Cellular Senescence Driving Intervertebral Disc Aging through Local Cell Autonomous and Systemic Non-Cell Autonomous Processes
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11030770 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how aging affects the discs in our backs, which can lead to pain, and it hopes to find new ways to help people feel better as they get older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $436,224 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG081293-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030770 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing back pain or related spinal disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute back injuries or those without age-related disc degeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological processes behind intervertebral disc degeneration, a common cause of back pain, particularly as people age. It focuses on how cellular aging and the resulting senescent cells contribute to disc deterioration, both locally and systemically. By examining the roles of specific cellular pathways, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to age-related disc issues, potentially paving the way for new treatments. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved therapies for back pain associated with aging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating back pain and disability caused by intervertebral disc degeneration.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cellular aging and its impact on various tissues, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vo, Nam V — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Vo, Nam V
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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.