Understanding how cellular aging affects health and disease
Official title: Multiomic methods for the characterization of cellular aging
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11170824 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our cells age and what that means for diseases that come with getting older, hoping to find new ways to help people stay healthier as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $400,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG081351-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11170824 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing age-related health issues or those interested in the biological mechanisms of aging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and do not have any age-related conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms of cellular aging and how they contribute to age-related diseases. By utilizing advanced single-cell sequencing techniques, the study aims to identify specific changes in cell types and their functions as they age. The researchers will focus on understanding the relationship between epigenetic changes and cellular senescence, which is when cells stop dividing and contribute to aging. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments targeting the aging process and its associated diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that slow down or reverse aspects of aging, improving health outcomes for older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cellular aging and its implications for health, indicating that this approach has potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Nancy R — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Nancy R
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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.