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NIA Home > Research Information > Extramural Programs > Biology of Aging

Scientific Programs

Office of the Associate Director

Nathan Shock Centers for Excellence in Basic Biology of Aging
Huber Warner, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-496-4996
warnerh@nia.nih.gov

This Core Center Grant program (P30 mechanism) was established in 1995 to enhance well-developed institutional programs in basic research on aging by providing state-of-the-art research resources to create the strongest environment possible for the conduct of basic aging research. Applications are accepted only in response to a Request for Applications.

Training Grant Program
Huber Warner, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-496-4996
warnerh@nia.nih.gov

NIA recognizes the continuing and expanding need to train new researchers in aging research, and the institutional training grant program is the major mechanism to accomplish this. The T32 mechanism provides institutional support for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Support for individual trainees is usually limited to 3 years.

Animal Models Program
Nancy Nadon, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-496-6402
NadonN@nia.nih.gov

The objective of the Animal Models Program is to identify and develop new animal models—both mammalian and lower organism—for use in aging research. This includes research on rats, mice, rabbits, nonhuman primates, insects, nematodes, and yeast. Mutant and genetically engineered rodent models of both normal aging and specific age-related pathologies are of particular interest.

Genetics and Cell Biology Branch

Chief: Anna McCormick, Ph.D. 

Cell Structure and Function Program
Felipe Sierra, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-496-6402
sierraf@mail.nih.gov

  • Signal transduction mechanisms
  • Microenvironment/extracellular matrix
  • Cell senescence/apoptosis/cancer
  • Membranes and membrane receptors

Genetics Program
Anna McCormick, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-496-6402
mccormia@nia.nih.gov

  • Identification and characterization of longevity assurance genes and senescence assurance genes
  • Genome stability
  • Genomics/functional genomics
  • Mouse mutagenesis
  • Telomeres
  • Werner’s syndrome

Metabolic Regulation Program
David Finkelstein, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-496-6402
finkelsd@nia.nih.gov

  • Nutrition/metabolism
  • Age-related changes in mitochondrial function/mitochondrial dysfunction
  • Mechanism of lifespan extension by caloric restriction
  • Generation of free radicals and oxidative stress

Protein Structure and Function Program
Felipe Sierra, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-496-6402
sierraf@mail.nih.gov

  • Age-related posttranslational modifications
  • Formation of protein aggregates
  • Protein turnover

Systems Branch

Chief: Jill Carrington, Ph.D.

Cardiovascular Biology Program
David Finkelstein, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-496-6402
finkelsd@nia.nih.gov

  • Age-related changes in cardiovascular function (e.g., gene expression)
  • Factors affecting cell death in heart tissue

Endocrinology Program
Frank Bellino, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-496-6402
bellinof@nia.nih.gov

  • Age-related changes in hormone production, metabolism, and action
  • Type II Diabetes
  • Reproductive aging
  • Biology of menopause; animal models of menopause
  • Age-related changes in control of prostate growth
  • Endocrine aspects of age-dependent tumors

Immunology Program
Rebecca Fuldner, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-496-6402
fuldnerr@nia.nih.gov

  • Age-related regulation of lymphocyte proliferation
  • Age-related regulation of immune specificity
  • Response of immune system to biochemical stimuli
  • Autoimmune disease and other immunopathology
  • Molecular basis of age-related decline in immune function
  • Interventions to retard and/or correct age-related decline in immune function

Musculoskeletal Biology Program
Jill Carrington, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-496-6402
carringtonj@nia.nih.gov

  • Age-related changes in osteoblast and osteoclast function and bone matrix
  • Age-related changes in muscle structure and function
  • Age-related changes in cartilage and soft connective tissue
  • Age-related changes in skin and wound healing
  • Molecular mechanisms of the above age-related changes
  • Molecular basis of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis

Physiology Program
Frank Bellino, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-496-6402
bellinof@nia.nih.gov

  • Underlying age-related biologic changes that affect the function of the following organs and systems:
    • Adrenal, renal
    • Nonhormonal aspects of male and female reproductive tissue