Pilot and Exploratory Core PESC

PESC ABSTRACT/SUMMARY
The Pilot and Exploratory Studies Core (PESC) will promote the development of novel ideas and approaches to
improving and sustaining independent function in older persons through Precision Gerontology. Using a rigorous
application and selection process developed to maximize the pipeline of investigators pursuing Precision
Gerontology, the PESC will select up to 3 pilot and exploratory studies (PES) each year of the award. Selection
criteria specified in the Request for Applications (RFA) will include the potential to lead to larger high-impact
projects, involvement of Pepper Cores, and responsiveness to the UConn Pepper Center focus on Precision
Gerontology. PESC-funded projects can include a range of study designs from basic bench and human subject
research to population science. The PESC seeks to fund three(PES) in Year 1 that each emphasize enhanced
understanding of heterogeneity with aging and/or improved targeting in aging. PES1, Apathy: An Early
Manifestation of Frailty and Disability in Older Adults with Depression?, will test the hypotheses that there will be
differences in functional performance and blood-based biomarkers between older depressed adults with and
without apathy. The results of this study will enhance understanding the pathophysiology underlying apathy and
may help identify treatment targets in older depressed adults. PES2, Multicomponent web-based behavioral
intervention to improve physical function and other health outcomes among African American older adults in the
COVID-19 era, will develop, implement, and evaluate a multicomponent, culturally-tailored educational
intervention to reengage and promote physical activity, adequate nutrition, and optimal mental health for African
American older adults. PES3, The Heterogeneity of Vulnerabilities in Aging Cohort (HVAC): A new resource for
early biomarker discovery and validation, seeks to provide junior faculty with: (1) experience in preparing an IRB
protocol, recruiting human subjects, and assessing frailty; and (2) the opportunity to generate data that can be
used to develop a platform for biomarker discovery and for future NIH grant applications. These goals will be
accomplished using a cohort of well-defined geriatric clinical phenotypes that are associated with particular types
of vulnerability or frailty. Metrics of success for each PES will include generation of preliminary data to support
external NIH grant applications and dissemination of knowledge via presentations and manuscripts. Overall
success of the PESC Core will be assessed in terms of responsiveness to the RFA and number of peer-reviewed
manuscripts, submitted applications, and external funding generated from PESC-funded studies.

Grant Number: 5P30AG067988-05
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: LISA BARRY