Biology of Aging (BAP)

BAP supports research to enhance and extend human health span by:

• Identifying opportunities to better understand the mechanisms of aging,
• Facilitating creative approaches to changing needs within the field, and
• Providing service and funding to investigators within the aging research community.

Research Areas

BAP research focuses on:

• Animal Models
• Genetics
• Immunology
• Endocrinology
• Physiology
• Cell Structure and Function
• Metabolic Regulation
• Cardiovascular Biology
• Musculoskeletal Biology

The objective of BAP research is to elucidate the biochemical, genetic, and physiological mechanisms of aging and age-related changes in humans and animal models. This includes investigations of the gradual or programmed alterations of structure and function that characterize normal aging and investigations of the adverse changes that are risk factors for or accompany age-related disease states.

Although BAP's research emphasis is on aging in mammals, lower organism (e.g., Drosophila, Caenorhabditis elegans, yeast) research that is related to aging also is supported. The value of the comparative approach in studying aging has been well demonstrated by the Longevity Assurance Gene Interactive Network of investigators and the insights they are providing about the genetic basis of aging in humans.

The scientific research portfolio is managed by the Systems Branch and the Genetics and Cell Biology Branch. The Office of Biological Resources and Resource Development coordinates the acquisition, maintenance, and provision of rodent and nonhuman primate models by NIA grantees' use in research on aging.

Current Funding Opportunities

Funding mechanisms including Requests for Applications and Program Announcements such as R21-Exploratory/Development Grants.   BAP also cofunds a Pilot and Feasibility Grant Program, which provides research support to explore concepts related to the mission of the Functional Atlas of Orphan Nuclear Receptors program. The BAP Minority Travel Assistance Program provides travel assistance to underrepresented minority investigators to present research findings at scientific conferences.

Scientific Programs

Information on BAP's scientific programs and their respective points of contact. BAP's programs are housed in the Office of the Associate Director, Genetics and Cell Biology Branch, and Systems Branch.