Spatial proteogenomic profiling to determine the impact of senescent neurons on the aging brain
Dr. Orr’s research focuses on the role of cellular senescence in brain aging and disease. Developing dementia is one of the most feared health condition of growing older. Growing evidence suggests that the cause(s) of dementia may begin decades prior to symptoms. Research in the neurobiology of aging, including form Dr. Orr’s laboratory, has revealed a role of senescent cells in brain aging and disease. This proposal will utilize state-of-the art technologies to study senescent human and mouse brain cells at unprecedented resolution and compare them to healthy cells. The comprehensive datasets generated in this proposal will provide critical insights into the role of senescent neurons in brain aging, and information regarding the safety of using senescence-targeted therapies in healthy adults as a neurodegeneration prevention.