Understanding how telomeres affect stress response and aging
Official title: Telomere uncapping epigenetically reprograms a stress response and longevity pathway
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11055964 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of our DNA, called telomeres, help our bodies handle stress and live longer, by examining how they work in tiny worms and humans, so we can better understand aging and stress resistance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $487,001 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES035777-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055964 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and adults who are experiencing age-related stress or diseases linked to aging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute, non-age-related conditions or those outside the age range of 0-21 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Interstitial Telomere Sequences (ITS tracts) in regulating stress response and longevity genes. By studying the effects of environmental stresses on telomere binding proteins in both C. elegans and humans, the research aims to uncover how these proteins influence gene expression related to aging and stress resistance. The approach involves genetic and molecular techniques to analyze how changes in telomere structure can impact cellular responses to stress and overall longevity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into aging and stress-related diseases, potentially improving health outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding telomere biology and its implications for aging, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ahmed, Shawn Cameron — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Ahmed, Shawn Cameron
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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.