Understanding how aging affects tissue repair and regeneration
Official title: Balancing Cellular Repair and Regeneration in Aging and Disease
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10865446 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how aging affects our body's ability to heal and repair itself, especially focusing on a specific pathway that might be linked to faster aging and higher cancer risks in African Americans, with the hope of finding new ways to help older adults stay healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $127,710 |
| NIH project number | 1K99AG086525-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10865446 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals aged 65 and older, especially those from African American backgrounds who may be at higher risk for early-age onset colorectal cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without a predisposition to age-related diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind aging and how they impact the body's ability to repair and regenerate tissues. It focuses on a specific signaling pathway known as Hedgehog (Hh) that plays a crucial role in balancing cellular repair processes and regeneration. The study aims to identify how disruptions in this pathway may lead to accelerated aging and increased susceptibility to diseases, particularly in African American populations experiencing higher rates of early-age onset colorectal cancer. By exploring these mechanisms, the research seeks to uncover potential therapeutic targets for improving health outcomes in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating age-related diseases, particularly colorectal cancer, in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of cellular signaling pathways in aging, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alexander, Jennifer Imena — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Alexander, Jennifer Imena
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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.