Understanding how certain fats affect a type of cell death called ferroptosis

Ferroptosis and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Metabolism

NIH-funded research Michigan State University · NIH-11082533

This study is looking at how certain fatty acids in our body can affect a special type of cell death that’s linked to iron and fat damage, using tiny worms to learn more about how these fatty acids might help us understand and treat health issues related to aging and tissue health.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMichigan State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (East Lansing, United States)
Project IDNIH-11082533 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in regulating ferroptosis, a unique form of cell death that is influenced by iron and characterized by lipid damage. The team is developing chemical tools and using a model organism, C. elegans, to explore how these fatty acids impact health and disease. By synthesizing specific PUFA metabolites, they aim to uncover new biological effects and mechanisms that could lead to better understanding and treatment of various conditions related to cell aging and tissue health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in conditions related to cellular aging or diseases influenced by cell death mechanisms.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular metabolism or those not affected by ferroptosis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and therapies for diseases linked to cell death and aging.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of investigating PUFA metabolites in ferroptosis is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding cell death mechanisms.

Where this research is happening

East Lansing, 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.