Understanding how long-lived bats manage genetic mutations
Official title: Patterns and Mechanisms Underlying Somatic Mutations Across Long-Lived Bats
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-10949450 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain long-lived bats manage to stay healthy and age slowly by examining their genes, which could help us understand more about aging and how to prevent age-related diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $138,564 |
| NIH project number | 1K99AG088361-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10949450 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in the biological mechanisms of aging and those with age-related conditions such as cancer, heart disease, or dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not interested in genetic research or do not have age-related health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the patterns and mechanisms of somatic mutations in long-lived bats to understand how these mutations relate to aging and longevity. By comparing genetic samples from various bat species with different lifespans, the study aims to uncover the genetic factors that contribute to their remarkable longevity. The approach involves advanced genomic techniques, including CRISPR, to analyze DNA damage repair responses in these animals. This research could provide insights into the biological processes that allow certain species to age more slowly and resist age-related diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding aging and developing therapies for age-related diseases in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding longevity through comparative genomics, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vazquez, Juan Manuel — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Vazquez, Juan Manuel
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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.