Decoding aging through cell-type-specific secretomics
How do organs communicate during aging? Aging is shaped not only by functional decline within individual cells, but also by changes in signals that travel through the bloodstream and coordinate metabolism, immune function, tissue repair, and exercise responses. Dr. Wei Wei’s lab studies these circulating signals, with a focus on secreted proteins that mediate communication between tissues. His lab recently developed a cell-type-specific secretomics platform that uses a chemical biology approach to selectively label and capture secreted proteins from defined cell types in living mice. This technology enables sensitive detection of circulating proteins, reveals which cells produce them, and tracks how these signals change during aging. With AFAR support, Dr. Wei’s lab will use this platform to define how aging remodels intercellular communication and to identify secreted factors that contribute to age-related physiological decline. This work may uncover new biomarkers and therapeutic targets to improve healthspan.
