Sajid Nisar, Ph.D., Dr.Eng. | Kyoto University of Advanced Science; Raffaella Di Micco, Ph.D. | San Rafaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy; Andrea Pavesi, Ph.D. | Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR
Competition Sponsor: Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development
Awardee Year: 2020
The main objective of this research is to understand the molecular mechanisms associated with dysfunctions in human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) during aging. As by 2050, approximately 15% of the world population will be aged 65 and older, and increased life-expectancy poses unprecedented challenges of progressive degenerative changes in tissues and organs, including the hematopoietic system. Therefore, there is an urgent unmet need to face age-associated cellular dysfunctions and promote healthy aging. We aim to develop mechanism-based strategies to increase functionality of aged HSC, specifically for regenerative medicine applications, immune reconstitution, and cancer prevention. By employing advanced 3-D models and chemical screening of the differentially identified age-specific pathways, we attempt to boost aged HSCs’ functionality. The novelty of our proposed study is that it would be among the first molecular study to generate a “blueprint” of human aged HSCs with the final goal to recover and enhance the health and longevity of the aged human hematopoietic system.
To learn more about this proposal email healthylongevity@nas.edu.
View this project poster, first displayed at the 2021 Global Innovator Summit.