Understanding how cells maintain their health and function as they age
Official title: Mechanisms of Cellular Maintenance
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11116983 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cells stay healthy and work well as we age and face challenges like pollution, using tiny worms to learn more about how they clean up and repair themselves, which could help us understand age-related diseases better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $375,430 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM154869-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11116983 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing age-related health issues or those interested in the biological mechanisms of aging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute conditions unrelated to aging or cellular maintenance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that allow cells to maintain their integrity and function over time, particularly in the context of aging and stressors like pollution. Using the model organism C. elegans, the study will explore how mature cells manage the turnover of proteins and organelles, focusing on the role of lysosomes in cellular maintenance. By employing advanced genetic techniques and live imaging, the research aims to uncover the fundamental processes that contribute to cellular health, which could have implications for age-related diseases and conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing cellular maintenance, potentially improving health outcomes in aging populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cellular maintenance mechanisms in various models, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Richardson, Claire Elissa — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Richardson, Claire Elissa
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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.