# Core 2: Heterogeneity of Aging

> **NIH NIH P30** · SALK INSTITUTE FOR BIOLOGICAL STUDIES · 2020 · $225,385

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY – Heterogeneity of Aging Core
In line with the pioneering work of Nathan Shock, it is clear that aged tissues accumulate cellular heterogeneity
or mosaicism. This heterogeneity is likely a cause of aging due to impairments in both intercellular interactions
and the coordination of tissue function. The Heterogeneity of Aging Core (Heterogeneity Core) within the San
Diego Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in Basic Biology of Aging (SD-NSC) will enable investigators to
probe the heterogeneity of aging over a broad range of scales (from molecules to organelles to single cells and
tissues) by providing access to a diverse suite of state-of-the-art instrumentation and analytical technologies,
as well as experienced Core staff. The Core will provide specific resources for studying key processes
implicated in aging and disease at high resolution, including single-cell next-generation sequencing platforms,
high-resolution imaging systems, and mass spectrometry approaches to measure proteomic and metabolomics
signatures of aging in cells and tissues, with an emphasis on cell-cell heterogeneity and heterogeneity across
tissues. These technologies are rapidly evolving and will continue to do so over the coming years. Utilizing
established Core resources with proven track records for staying current with evolving technologies is the most
effective way to ensure new innovations in analytical technologies are available to the greatest breadth of
aging researchers. The Heterogeneity Core provides specific support for researchers in the aging field by: 1)
providing access to specific scientific services, advice, and expertise, 2) developing and disseminating novel
methods for correlative data acquisitions, and 3) running on-site and virtual training sessions. The
Heterogeneity Core is a critical component in the pipeline of research resources that our SD-NSC will create.
The value of this Core is bolstered by the generation of age-equivalent induced cell types and organoids by the
Human Cell Models of Aging Core, and novel machine-learning capabilities in the Integrative Models of Aging
Core. Together we will provide researchers in the basic biology of aging field with the resources necessary to
make key discoveries into the mechanisms by which we age. The Heterogeneity Core will enable studies into
the cell-cell and tissue heterogeneity of aging and, ultimately, the contributions and mechanisms by which
heterogeneity causes the degeneration and dysfunction that characterizes aging.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10045537
- **Project number:** 1P30AG068635-01
- **Recipient organization:** SALK INSTITUTE FOR BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
- **Principal Investigator:** Martin W Hetzer
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $225,385
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-09-30 → 2025-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10045537

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10045537, Core 2: Heterogeneity of Aging (1P30AG068635-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10045537. Licensed CC0.

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