Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Pennsylvania received a $665,725 Project Grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) under the Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.847), awarded February 1, 2026, with completion targeted for December 31, 2029. This award funds molecular genetic research investigating the role of cellular senescence in liver disease progression and injury. The research deliverables center on the development and utilization of two innovative transgenic mouse models—the "SENKILLER" mouse for cell-type-specific elimination of senescent cells and the "TELOMOUSE," the first laboratory mouse with human-length telomeres—to advance understanding of senescent cell pathology in hepatic fibrosis and liver cancer development.

The project delivers scientific research outputs focused on identifying which senescent cell types (hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, stellate cells, and Kupffer cells) mediate the beneficial effects of senolysis in fibrotic liver disease models, and determining molecular mechanisms by which human-length telomeres impact liver repopulation and tumor initiation. These investigator-initiated research activities align with NIDDK's priority to support basic and translational research improving understanding of liver disease mechanisms and pathogenesis, with anticipated contributions to knowledge regarding cellular senescence as a therapeutic target for liver disease intervention.