James R. Mitchell, PhDBACK

Assistant Professor of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health

Testing Small Molecule Inhibitors of GH/IGF-1 Receptor Signaling as Dietary Restriction Mimetics Against Acute Stress in vivo

Dr. Mitchell's research seeks to understand the role that growth factor signaling plays in the regulation of lifespan and stress resistance. Decreased growth factor signaling through genetic and dietary means (caloric restriction) may play a part in the beneficial effects seen in extended lifespan and increased stress resistance in a wide range of organisms including mammals. Through the use of compounds that mimic the beneficial effects of caloric restriction without reducing food intake, Dr. Mitchell will test the ability of small molecule inhibitors of growth factor signaling to increase resistance to acute stress in experimental rodents. The longer-term goals of his research are to determine whether reduced growth factor signaling will also protect against organ failure during surgical procedures that require stopping blood flow to an organ to prevent bleeding. Dr. Mitchell's research could shed light on the mechanisms underlying improved stress resistance in the setting of unavoidable surgical stress.