Homeostatic regulation of protein-specific appetite in aging
Dietary interventions are among the most robust strategies for extending lifespan and improving healthspan across species. Beyond calorie requirement, organisms developed a motivational drive for nutrient-specific appetite in response to imbalances in food composition. Aging is often associated with progressive decline of protein — a key macronutrient uniquely essential due to its nitrogen content for amino acid biosynthesis, thus plays a critical role in fitness and healthy aging. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying hemostatic regulation of protein-specific appetite during aging and its impact on metabolic health remain poorly understood. In this supported project, Dr. Ma will combine Drosophila genetics, amino acid analysis, lipidomics, behavior-based functional assays, such as egg-laying and survival under dietary stress to investigate whether modulating protein feeding, by resetting protein intake setpoint, or regulating circulating metabolites that modulate protein hunger, can slow down the effects of aging and potentially identify novel targets for interventions.
