Understanding how mitochondria change during aging
Official title: Investigating spatial and temporal heterogeneity in mitochondria during aging using in vivo high-content chemical imaging
Funded at Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-11145918 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the tiny powerhouses in our cells, called mitochondria, change as we get older, and it’s designed for older adults to help us understand how these changes affect our health as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $182,175 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG086974-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11145918 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older, particularly those interested in understanding the biological processes of aging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without age-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how mitochondria, the energy-producing structures in cells, change in both location and function as people age. Using advanced imaging techniques, the study will observe these changes in real-time within living organisms, specifically focusing on older adults. By examining the relationship between mitochondrial behavior and overall cellular health, the research aims to uncover important insights into aging and related conditions. The findings could help identify potential interventions to improve health in older populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing cellular health and potentially delaying age-related diseases in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding mitochondrial function and aging, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Wei-Wen — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Chen, Wei-Wen
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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.