Metabolic regulation of resilience in aging human neurons
Dr. Merten’s research aims to understand how aging affects the resilience of human brain neurons. Using a unique model called induced neurons (iNs), created from skin cells of human donors of different ages, he will investigate age-related changes in cellular metabolism, focusing on a high-energy molecule acetyl-CoA. This molecule plays a crucial role in regulating protein function and is the primary building block for fats like cholesterol in our brain. In this project he will use iNs to map out how acetyl-CoA metabolism changes with age, how these changes affect neuronal proteins and function, and whether manipulating acetyl-CoA production can improve the resilience of aging neurons against damages. His goal is to uncover new strategies for maintaining youthful brain health as we age and potentially preventing age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
