Understanding how aging cells contribute to health issues

Reverse Engineering of Cell Senescence

NIH-funded research Harvard Medical School · NIH-11017823

This study is looking at how getting rid of old, worn-out cells in the body might help us feel younger and healthier as we age, and it's testing some medications to see if they can help with this process in people.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHarvard Medical School NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11017823 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of cellular senescence in aging and its impact on age-related diseases. By studying how the elimination of senescent cells can reverse aging features in mice, the researchers aim to identify potential therapies that could be translated to humans. The approach involves exploring specific drugs, like dasatinib, and understanding the mechanisms behind cell senescence and its various sub-types. This research could lead to new treatments that improve health and longevity by targeting the aging process at the cellular level.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing age-related health issues or diseases associated with cellular senescence.

Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing age-related conditions or are younger adults may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to therapies that significantly improve health and extend lifespan for aging individuals.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in reversing aging features in animal models, indicating potential for success in human applications.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions aging associated diseaseaging associated disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.