Why some human brains age faster
Official title: Molecular mechanisms of aging and accelerated aging in the human brain
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11468158 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at genes and tiny RNA molecules in brain samples to find what causes normal and faster-than-normal brain aging, including links to respiratory infections like COVID-19.
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 start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $182,997 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AG079799-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11468158 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be older adults or people with cognitive changes and those with a history of respiratory viral infections (including COVID-19) who can provide clinical information or biospecimens.
✕Less likely to help
People without signs of brain aging or those seeking an immediate treatment benefit are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic and translational research.
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze gene and microRNA activity in aged human brain samples and in models of accelerated brain aging to find molecular signatures tied to decline. They will compare young and old samples and samples from people exposed to respiratory viruses (including COVID-19) to spot changes that speed up brain aging. Work will combine data from mouse studies, patient RNA sequencing, and laboratory experiments to identify regulators that could be drug targets. The goal is to point to specific genes or microRNAs that can be tested in future studies to slow or reverse cognitive aging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to specific molecular targets that lead to new treatments to slow or reverse brain aging and reduce post-infection cognitive decline.
How similar studies have gone: Previous mouse work and RNA sequencing from COVID-19 patients have revealed aging-like molecular signatures, but turning these signals into effective therapies is still largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mavrikaki, Maria — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mavrikaki, Maria
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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.