Investigating the role of propionate metabolism in aging
The connection between aging and metabolism has emerged as a significant challenge in comprehending aging as a systemic disease. Aging-related metabolic dysfunction disrupts the normal processing and distribution of macronutrients, leading to an abnormal buildup of metabolites. These dysregulated metabolites can influence signaling pathways and serve as substrates for protein modifications, contributing to aging-related conditions. The propionate metabolism pathway is a highly conserved pathway crucial for nutrient metabolism. Recent evidence indicates that the activity of this metabolic pathway changes with cell senescence and aging. However, the exact causal relationship remains uncertain. In this proposal, Dr. Li will concentrate on investigating the role of this pathway and its metabolites in cell senescence and aging.
