Understanding how cell death affects aging and reproduction
Official title: Molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis induction throughout germline development and aging
Funded at Washington State University · NIH-11001505 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain foods and iron can cause a specific type of cell death called ferroptosis, especially as we age, using tiny worms to learn more about how this process works and how it might help in treating cancer and other related diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pullman, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $336,619 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM152060-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001505 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cancers that may be responsive to therapies targeting ferroptosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cancer or those not affected by ferroptosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the process of ferroptosis, a type of cell death that is influenced by iron and dietary factors, particularly during aging and germline development. Using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, the study aims to uncover how dietary components, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, can induce ferroptosis in germ cells. The research will explore the underlying mechanisms of this process, including the role of metabolic pathways and cellular organelles. By understanding these mechanisms, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic strategies for targeting cancerous tumors and other diseases associated with ferroptosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new cancer therapies that harness the process of ferroptosis to selectively kill cancer cells.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of ferroptosis is relatively new, preliminary studies have shown promise in understanding its role in cancer therapy, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington State University
Pullman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Watts, Jennifer L — Washington State University
- Study coordinator: Watts, Jennifer L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Aging Well with HIV: Alcohol, Risk Reduction, and Education Center (AWAR3E)
A center at Yale is exploring how aging with HIV interacts with alcohol use to create inflammation and frailty, with the goal of finding biomarkers and potential treatments.
-
Cognitive SuperAging: Exploring why some octogenarians stay sharp in memory
This NIH grant studies why a small group of people aged 80+ keep memory skills as good as much younger people, hoping to understand how to protect memory as we age.
-
Biological aging across the lifespan through a national high school-to-adult study
This grant uses a long-running national study of students and adults to collect saliva biomarkers of aging, alongside surveys, to understand how aging markers relate to health and life experiences.
-
Understanding how aging and Alzheimer’s affect how people make tough choices
This NIH grant studies how aging and Alzheimer’s risk change how people decide between immediate and delayed rewards and risky options, with the goal of helping older adults stay financially and healthwise safer.
-
Understanding how brain resilience and multiple brain pathologies influence aging and Alzheimer's disease
A long-term study follows older adults to learn how resilience to brain changes helps reduce dementia risk and what biological factors are linked to better cognitive aging.
-
National Neighborhood Data Archive helps researchers study aging health in U.S. neighborhoods
A nationwide data resource will help researchers understand how where people live affects health and aging, with a focus on respiratory illnesses in older adults.
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.