Understanding how telomere length affects aging and diseases
Official title: Genomic Basis of Telomere Length Regulation and Consequences for Complex Traits
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11170170 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the length of telomeres, which are protective caps on our DNA, affects aging and diseases like Alzheimer's and COPD, helping us understand how this information could lead to better, personalized health care for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $430,101 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG089926-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11170170 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing age-related diseases or those interested in understanding their genetic predisposition to such conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest in genetic factors related to aging or those not affected by age-related diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of telomere length in cellular aging and its impact on various age-related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and COPD. By analyzing genetic factors and environmental influences on telomere length, the study aims to identify potential biomarkers for aging and related health conditions. Patients may benefit from insights into how their telomere length could influence their health and risk for certain diseases, leading to more personalized treatment approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide valuable information for predicting and managing age-related diseases based on telomere length.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between telomere length and various diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cogan, Joy D — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Cogan, Joy D
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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.