Identifying the upstream regulators of the gerozyme 15-PGDH to mitigate its overexpression in aging and maintain tissue homeostasis and health
As individuals age, they inevitably lose muscle mass and strength, leading to reduced mobility, lowered quality of life, and loss of independence. This is clinically defined as sarcopenia. Although lifestyle interventions such as diet and exercise can delay the onset of sarcopenia, there are currently no drugs to combat it. Recently, the Blau lab has identified a protein that becomes overabundant in aged muscle, and directly contributes to the progression of sarcopenia. Rendering this protein nonfunctional with a molecular inhibitor increases muscle mass, strength and running endurance in aged mice. At the molecular level, treated mice display a more youthful pattern of DNA markings. Dr. Robinson’s research will use a multi-faceted approach that will apply artificial intelligence and novel cellular analyses to identify why this protein becomes overabundant in aging muscle.
