Understanding how certain DNA elements affect aging and diseases
Official title: Biogenesis and function of retrotransposon-derived circular DNA
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11140308 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special DNA pieces that can change our genes and how they might affect aging and diseases, with a focus on their ability to make circular DNA, to help us understand their role in our health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | July 17, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $411,942 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM152423-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140308 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing age-related conditions or degenerative neurological diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable, non-degenerative conditions or those not affected by aging-related processes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates retrotransposons, which are DNA elements that can change the genetic information of their host. The team will explore how these elements replicate and their effects on aging and diseases, particularly focusing on their ability to create circular DNA. By using advanced biological tools and systems, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind the activation of retrotransposons and their impact on health. This could lead to new insights into how these elements contribute to both beneficial and harmful processes in the body.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new strategies for understanding and potentially treating age-related diseases and cancers.
How similar studies have gone: While the study of retrotransposons is relatively novel, preliminary findings suggest that understanding their role could lead to significant advancements in biomedical research.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Zhao — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Zhao
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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.