The role of IL-6 in promoting skeletal muscle and mitochondrial dysfunction in frailty
Dr. Nidadavolu’s research focuses how chronic inflammation in aging leads to the development of frailty by contributing to skeletal muscle and mitochondrial dysfunction. Frailty, which is characterized by increased vulnerability to physical and psychosocial stressors, is associated with increased risk of death and disability and develops in a subset of older adults. Her AFAR supported research specifically studies the role of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) in promoting frailty in mice via changes in skeletal muscle and mitochondrial function and energy utilization. This research may lead to identifying pathways that are altered in skeletal muscles and mitochondria in the presence of inflammation and potential therapeutic targets that can reverse these changes.
