Understanding how blood stem cells change with age

Mechanisms of Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Blood aging

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11091581

This project looks at how our blood stem cells change as we get older, which can lead to conditions like anemia and blood cancers.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11091581 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

As we age, our blood system can develop problems like chronic inflammation, anemia, and even blood cancers, often due to changes in our blood stem cells. This project aims to understand the specific ways these stem cells lose their function over time. Researchers will explore how factors like metabolism, cellular cleanup processes (autophagy), and inflammation in the bone marrow contribute to these age-related changes. The ultimate goal is to find new ways to keep blood stem cells healthy and potentially reverse some effects of aging on our blood.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to older adults experiencing or at risk for age-related blood disorders, such as anemia, chronic inflammation, or certain blood cancers.

Not a fit: Patients without age-related blood system dysfunction or those with conditions unrelated to stem cell aging may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments or interventions to rejuvenate the aging blood system, potentially preventing or treating age-related blood disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While the descriptive features of hematopoietic stem cell aging are known, this project aims to develop a novel, coherent mechanistic model, suggesting it builds on existing knowledge but seeks new understanding.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.
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.