Understanding how aging affects the genome and potential therapies to improve health in the elderly
Official title: BLRD Research Career Scientist Award Application
Funded at Oklahoma City VA Medical Center · NIH-11105876 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in our genes and their regulation affect aging and related health issues, especially in brain cells, to find ways to keep our cells healthy as we get older, including how eating less might help.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma City VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK6BX006033-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11105876 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are elderly individuals who may be experiencing age-related health issues or cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not elderly or do not have age-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in the genome and epigenome contribute to aging and age-related diseases. By focusing on specific brain cells, the study aims to identify how these changes lead to cellular dysfunction. Advanced techniques like cell isolation and sequencing are used to create detailed maps of genetic alterations, which will help in understanding gene expression regulation as we age. The research also explores the effects of caloric restriction on preventing age-related changes, potentially leading to new therapies that can maintain a youthful epigenome.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to therapies that delay or prevent age-related diseases, improving the health and quality of life for elderly patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, there have been successful studies exploring epigenetic changes related to aging.
Where this research is happening
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Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Freeman, Willard M — Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Freeman, Willard M
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.