Exploring the Systemic Regulation of Organismal Longevity and Health through Individual Neuron Mitochondrial Stress
The aging process in living organisms is intricately influenced by the interaction among various body parts. Consequently, changes in specific cells and tissues can systemically impact the overall lifespan and health of an entire organism. Mitochondria have long been recognized as central regulators of aging and health. Recent studies have highlighted that damage to mitochondria in the nervous system can sufficiently alter organismal aging through specific signaling pathways. This discovery raises questions about the role of individual neurons in systematically controlling the organism's lifespan and health in response to mitochondrial stress. It also prompts inquiry into the signals involved in communication between neurons and other distant cells and tissues. Dr. Han aims to address these complex questions using the C. elegans genetic model—a simple worm model with various advantageous features for neurobiology, mitochondrial research, and aging studies.
