Understanding how mutations in healthy cells relate to aging

Somatic mutation rates in healthy aging

NIH-funded research Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11080366

This study is looking at how tiny changes in our healthy cells might build up over time and affect how we age, using blood samples from many people to see if these changes are linked to health and aging-related issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCase Western Reserve University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project IDNIH-11080366 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the accumulation of somatic mutations in healthy cells over time and their potential role in the aging process. By utilizing advanced sequencing technologies, the study aims to measure mutation rates in blood samples from large cohorts, including data on individual health, lifestyle, and environmental factors. The goal is to uncover how these mutation rates vary among individuals and their possible links to aging-related diseases and mortality. This comprehensive approach could provide new insights into the biological mechanisms of aging.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are healthy individuals of various ages who are willing to provide blood samples and health information.

Not a fit: Patients with existing serious health conditions or those who are not willing to participate in blood sampling may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potentially new strategies for preventing or treating aging-related diseases.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of measuring somatic mutation rates in large populations is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promising results in understanding genetic contributions to aging.

Where this research is happening

Cleveland, 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.
Conditions aging associated diseaseaging associated disorders
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.