Federal Grant Award Summary

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc. received a $475,475 Project Grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) under the Aging Research program (CFDA 93.866), awarded July 15, 2026, with completion targeted for June 30, 2028. The research investigates suburothelial myofibroblasts (SUMFs)—interstitial cells beneath the bladder's urothelial lining—and their role in bladder function and dysfunction during aging. The project will deliver peer-reviewed research outputs examining how SUMFs function as mechanosensors and regulators in normal bladder accommodation and voiding, with particular focus on abnormalities observed in aging and diabetic bladders that contribute to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), a prevalent condition affecting the aging population.

The deliverables include scientific investigation of novel molecular markers of SUMFs (including extracellular matrix enzymes and smooth muscle contractile proteins) through two primary research aims: characterizing SUMF contributions to accommodating bladder wall tension during filling and sensing bladder fullness, and identifying how thickened SUMF layers in aging bladders result in bladder dysfunction. The research will employ molecular, cellular, and animal model approaches to establish the in vivo functional importance of SUMFs, addressing a significant gap in current understanding that has been limited to morphological observations and in vitro studies. Results will advance the scientific foundation for understanding age-related bladder dysfunction and inform potential therapeutic interventions for LUTS in aging populations.