Understanding how germline stem cells affect reproductive aging
Official title: Control of reproductive aging by germline stem cells
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10915433 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stem cells, which help produce eggs and sperm, lose their ability to function as we age, using tiny worms to learn more about this process, with hopes that the findings could help develop ways to slow down aging in human reproductive cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $34,926 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AG084277-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915433 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in understanding reproductive aging, particularly those over 21 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not concerned with reproductive aging or who are not of reproductive age may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind stem cell exhaustion as a key factor in aging, using the model organism C. elegans, which has a simple system of germline stem cells responsible for producing eggs and sperm. By studying how these stem cells decline in number and activity with age, the research aims to uncover insights that could lead to therapies for delaying stem cell aging in humans. The project focuses on the role of Notch signaling pathways, which are conserved across species, suggesting that findings could be relevant to human reproductive aging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that delay reproductive aging and improve fertility in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using model organisms like C. elegans to study aging, indicating that this approach has potential for yielding valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anderson, Aaron Marcus — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Anderson, Aaron Marcus
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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.