Understanding how inherited and lifestyle factors affect blood cell changes and aging diseases
Official title: The impact of inherited and modifiable risk factors on clonal hematopoiesis and age-related disease
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10973930 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how your genes and lifestyle choices affect a condition called clonal hematopoiesis, which happens when some blood cells change as we get older, and how this might be linked to age-related diseases like Alzheimer's and heart problems, so we can help people age healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,276,687 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG088690-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973930 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults who may have risk factors for age-related diseases, particularly those with a family history of Alzheimer's or cardiovascular conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and do not have any risk factors for age-related diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how inherited genetic factors and lifestyle choices influence clonal hematopoiesis (CH), a condition where certain blood stem cells acquire mutations as people age. By studying these changes over time, the research aims to identify how CH contributes to age-related diseases like Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease. Patients will be monitored through longitudinal assessments to better understand the relationship between CH, inflammation, and overall health. The goal is to promote healthier aging by uncovering the mechanisms behind these associations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to strategies that prevent or mitigate age-related diseases, improving the quality of life for older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between clonal hematopoiesis and age-related diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bolton, Kelly Leigh — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Bolton, Kelly Leigh
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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.