Harnessing the rejuvenating capacity of pregnancy-associated factors to restore aged stem cell function

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Grant Award Details

Grant Number:
DISC0-15920
Investigator(s):
Human Stem Cell Use:
Award Value:
$1,539,520
Status:
Active

Grant Application Details

Application Title:

Harnessing the rejuvenating capacity of pregnancy-associated factors to restore aged stem cell function

Public Abstract:
Research Objective

Elucidation of pregnancy-related factors that mitigate cellular senescence and enhance regeneration has far-reaching implications for understanding the mechanisms of aging and rejuvenation.

Impact

The study will address the long-standing knowledge gaps related to the mechanisms of pro-regenerative impact of pregnant milieu and female muscle stem cell senescence

Major Proposed Activities

  • Isolation of female pelvic muscle stem cells from diverse population of young and old donors
  • Comparison of genetic, epigenetic and phenotypic signatures of young and old pelvic and non-pelvic female muscle stem cells
  • Identifying key pro-regenerative factors associated with pregnancy
  • Learning how pregnancy-associated factors impact aged female muscle stem cells' genotype, phenotype, and regenerative potential
Statement of Benefit to California:
The proposed studies will bridge the long-standing knowledge gaps regarding aging of the female pelvic muscle stem cells and how pregnancy associated factors can be used to mitigate functional decline of these cells with age. The above is important because pelvic muscle dysfunction is a key risk factor for the development of pelvic floor disorders - a set of morbid and prevalent conditions that disproportionately affect older women and for which there are currently no preventative measures.