New roles of nuclear STING in aging
Cellular stresses cause DNA damage and breaks in the nuclear membrane, leading to leakage of the DNA into the cytoplasm. In the cytoplasm, sensor proteins like cGAS detect the DNA as an invader, triggering an inflammatory response mediated by STING protein. This response is observed in aging and is linked to aging pathologies, such as heart disease and cancer. Dr. Silva focuses on Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS), a rare disorder that accelerates aging and leads to early death. Her research shows that in HGPS, inflammation is caused by STING. Blocking STING improves cellular health and extends lifespan of progeria mice. Intriguingly, STING behaves differently in HGPS cells and in normal aged cells, compared to young cells. This altered behavior was accompanied by new partnerships of STING in the nucleus, which she hypothesizes contribute to new functions of STING in aging. Dr. Silva’s main goal is determining STING's nuclear functions and how they contribute to aging.
2025 Glenn Postdoctoral Fellowship Continuation Award Project:
Non-canonical roles of cGAS-STING in aging
