Actively Recruiting
Single Nuclei RNA-sequencing to Map Adipose Cellular Populations and Senescent Cells in Older Subjects
Led by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · Updated on 2026-03-18
160
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
C
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to map adipose tissue cell populations and senescent cells in older adults, focusing on metabolic health aspects such as insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, and beta-cell function. It includes both younger and older adults with varying body mass indexes (BMIs) and evaluates cellular and molecular profiles through single nuclei RNA sequencing. The study also examines physical activity, diet, and quality of life factors related to obesity and healthy lifestyle in a clinical trial setting. Participants will undergo baseline subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue biopsies for detailed cellular analysis. Older obese adults (over 65 years with BMI 30.0-39.9) will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a lifestyle intervention involving supervised aerobic and resistance exercise plus dietary counseling; a senolytic drug group receiving dasatinib and quercetin in cycles over about 10 weeks; or a placebo group receiving a matching pill regimen. Younger groups and older lean groups will have assessments but no randomization. Throughout the study, participants will have metabolic and physiological tests including glucose tolerance tests, insulin clamps, body composition scans, and physical performance measures. Activity will be tracked using wrist accelerometers, and diet monitored via a smartphone app. Quality of life and symptom questionnaires will be completed. The primary outcomes are insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance over roughly 4 to 15 weeks, with secondary measures including senescence-associated secretory phenotypes. The study is expected to conclude in early 2028.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Single Nuclei RNA-seq to Map Adipose Cellular Populations and Senescent Cells in Older Subjects
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Participants of both sexes
- Age 18-30 years with BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 for younger lean group
- Age 18-30 years with BMI 30.0-39.9 kg/m2 for younger obese group
- Age 65 years or older with BMI 30.0-39.9 kg/m2 for older obese group
- All races and ethnic groups
- Living in the community
- Sedentary lifestyle, exercising 1.5 hours or less per week
- Nondiabetic with fasting plasma glucose less than 126 mg/dl, 2-hour glucose during OGTT less than 140 mg/dl, and A1c less than 6.5%
- Women of childbearing potential must use highly effective contraception or meet specified reproductive safety conditions
- ECG values within specified normal ranges after resting
You will not qualify if you...
- Diabetes diagnosis, HbA1c greater than 6.5%, fasting plasma glucose greater than 126 mg/dl, or use of anti-diabetic medications
- Exercising more than 1.5 hours per week
- Unstable weight with more than 3% change in the last 3 months
- Neurological, musculoskeletal, or other conditions limiting physical assessments or exercise
- Active autoimmune or inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, or inflammatory bowel disease
- Abnormal laboratory values indicating impaired kidney or liver function, abnormal blood counts, or abnormal clotting times
- Active gastrointestinal disease, bleeding disorders, or recent gastrointestinal bleeding
- Significant heart disease or peripheral vascular disease
- QTc prolongation over specified limits
- Use of medications that affect heart rhythm or blood clotting
- Pulmonary diseases like COPD or severe asthma
- Recent embolus events
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Smoking, excessive alcohol use, or recreational drug use
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Recent start of systemic hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women
- Previous bariatric surgery
- History of stroke with motor disability
- Recent treated cancer except basal cell carcinoma
- Acute or chronic infections
- Use of medications interfering with metabolic studies in the last 6 months
- Use of senolytic agents in the last 6 months
- Allergy to dasatinib, quercetin, or lidocaine
- Participation in another interventional trial
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Approximately 1 week
Participants undergo baseline biopsies and metabolic phenotyping including glucose tolerance testing, accelerometer wear for 7 days, dietary recording with a smartphone app, DEXA body composition analysis, physical function testing (older adults only), and patient-reported outcomes assessments.
1 to 2 visits depending on assessments
Duration - Approximately 10 weeks
Older obese participants receive one of three interventions: combined aerobic and resistance exercise with dietary counseling for 10 weeks, or senolytic drug treatment with dasatinib and quercetin administered in three cycles over approximately 10 weeks, or placebo treatment following the same schedule as the drug arms.
Three exercise sessions per week for 10 weeks for lifestyle group; dosing cycles every 4 weeks for 3 cycles for drug or placebo groups; multiple supervised sessions and group meetings depending on intervention
Duration - Up to 6 weeks after treatment
Participants undergo follow-up metabolic and physical assessments to evaluate insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, senescence markers, and other outcomes after treatment completion.
1 to 2 visits for follow-up assessments
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Cedars Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, California, United States, 90048
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
N
Nicolas Musi, MD
A
Arianne Aslamy, MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
4
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