NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Using DNA damage to personalize aging and related diseases

Official title: Using DNA Repair and Damage as a Tool in Personalizing Aging and Aging Related Diseases

Funded at Rlr VA Medical Center · NIH-11053367 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how our body's ability to fix DNA damage might help us understand and improve health as we age, especially for US veterans who are more likely to develop lung problems like COPD and lung cancer, by checking blood samples and seeing if lifestyle changes can make a difference.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRlr VA Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Indianapolis, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2025
Project endMarch 31, 2030
Funding year2025
NIH project number1IK2BX006464-01A2
Project IDNIH-11053367 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include US veterans aged 21 and older who are experiencing accelerated aging or are at risk for lung diseases.

Less likely to help

Patients who are younger than 21 or those without any aging-related diseases or risk factors for lung conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how DNA repair and damage can be utilized to tailor approaches for aging and aging-related diseases, particularly focusing on US veterans at higher risk for lung conditions like COPD and lung cancer. The study examines the relationship between DNA repair capacity and aging, aiming to identify how decreased DNA repair correlates with age-related diseases. By analyzing blood samples, researchers will measure DNA repair capabilities and explore how lifestyle changes may influence these factors.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to personalized interventions that improve health outcomes for aging individuals, particularly veterans at risk for lung diseases.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using DNA repair mechanisms to understand aging and related diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • Rlr VA Medical Center
    Indianapolis, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Al Nasrallah, Nawar — Rlr VA Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Al Nasrallah, Nawar

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.