Advancing Research
by funding Grant Programs and Fellowships
Driving Innovation
by guiding studies such as the FAST Initiative, the SuperAgers Initiative, and the TAME Trial
Furthering the Field
by supporting the infrastructure of three NIA Initiatives and leading the Amplifying Geroscience Initiative.
Top Breakthroughs driven by AFAR Experts
Delaying Disease by Targeting Aging
Saving Costs by Extending Healthspan
What are the Hallmarks of Aging?
What is Geroscience?
What is the Longevity Dividend?
Dr. Rhoads’ research program investigates how the molecular regulation of gene expression changes with age and in models of delayed aging such as caloric restriction (CR). Recent evidence suggests a role for altered RNA processing patterns in both the aging process and the beneficial metabolic effects of CR, but the mechanistic details are still unclear. The goal of his AFAR supported work is to identify potential relationships between hepatic RNA processing and changes to systemic metabolism in the context of delayed aging by CR in a mouse model. Using methylation profiling, the study will also track biological age, establishing the relationships between biological age, RNA transcript isoform diversity, and metabolism. This work will open the door to a mechanistic understanding of how RNA processing influences aging and the development of age-related diseases and potential identifying new targets for interventions.
