Jeffrey Friedman, MD, PhD

Cellular and Molecular Basis for Hypothalamus Aging

Aging is characterized by a progressive deterioration of several physiological functions, including increased susceptibility to diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and osteoporosis, which has important implications for public health. The hypothalamus regulates many of these physiologic functions but its role in the aging process has been understudied, despite the fact that dysfunction within the hypothalamus can significantly contribute to age-related pathologies. Dr. Friedman’s project seeks to address the effect of aging and calorie restriction on the hypothalamus by using advanced single-cell sequencing techniques. His goal is to reveal the cellular and molecular effects of aging in the hypothalamus, identify key players, i.e. molecules and cell types, during aging, and pinpoint mechanisms underlying the effects of sex and calorie restriction. Successful completion of these studies will not only bridge existing knowledge gaps but also provide potential targets for therapeutic intervention to address the comorbidities associated with aging.