Understanding how aging affects the movement of brain stem cells
Official title: Mechanisms underlying a decline in neural stem cell migration during aging
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10915442 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects brain cells that help create new neurons, which is important for healing after brain injuries or diseases like Alzheimer's, and it hopes to find ways to improve treatments for older adults facing these challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | December 14, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $41,448 |
| NIH project number | 5F30AG077799-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915442 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are experiencing age-related cognitive decline or have suffered from brain injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 or do not have age-related cognitive issues or brain injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging impacts the ability of neural stem cells in the brain to migrate and generate new neurons, which is crucial for recovery from brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. The study aims to identify the specific genetic and regulatory changes that occur in these stem cells as they age, leading to a decline in their migratory abilities. By understanding these mechanisms, the research seeks to develop new therapeutic strategies to enhance brain repair in older adults. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and stroke recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance brain repair and recovery in older adults suffering from neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding stem cell behavior in aging, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Olivia Yu — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Olivia Yu
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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.