Why some human brains age faster
Molecular mechanisms of aging and accelerated aging in the human brain
Researchers are looking at gene activity and tiny RNAs in older adults and people who had COVID-19 to find what makes the brain age faster.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11101306 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project compares gene expression and small regulatory RNAs (microRNAs) in human brain samples from older adults and people who had COVID-19. Scientists will use RNA sequencing and laboratory assays, and follow up with mouse experiments to test which genes drive aging-related changes. They will analyze autopsy and other human-derived samples to map molecular signatures of normal and accelerated brain aging. The team aims to identify molecular switches that could be targeted to slow or reverse cognitive decline.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults (21+) who can donate clinical information, blood, or brain tissue samples and include older adults and people with a history of COVID-19.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment, children under 21, or those unable to provide samples or clinical data are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to molecular targets for therapies that slow or reverse age-related cognitive decline and post-COVID brain changes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have found aging- and COVID-linked changes in brain gene expression and microRNAs, but turning these findings into effective treatments is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mavrikaki, Maria — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mavrikaki, Maria
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 below.