What inspired you to pursue aging research?
I was introduced to aging research by my postdoctoral mentor and early on, focused on histone modification changes in model organisms and senescent cells. With more understanding of the field, I realized that by targeting aging, it is possible to treat a multitude of diseases – what is now known as the geroscience hypothesis. As I grew older, I became witness to the pain and suffering of advanced age within my immediate family which further motivated me to understand the fundamentals of aging biology and think about what we can do to improve the quality of life in our elderly population.
In your view, what does AFAR mean to the field, and what does it mean, for you, to receive an AFAR grant now?
I received my first AFAR award, the Irene Diamond Transition Grant, as a postdoctoral trainee. It came at a time when I needed much motivation and luck. This is my second grant from AFAR as a junior faculty. Overall, AFAR has been a great source of support to early career scientists. In the words of the great Warren Buffett…"Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." AFAR has planted that tree for many young scientists like me.
What is exciting about your research’s potential impact?
There are two facets of our research I find exciting. The epigenome is shaped by a highly complex network of enzymes and proteins and we still don’t fully understand its workings during aging. This fundamental knowledge is of great interest to me. Additionally, the epigenome is an underexplored territory for intervention in aging while drugs targeting the epigenome are already in use for chemotherapeutic purposes in cancer. The possibility (even though still remote) of using or repurposing some of these drugs for the treatment of age-related diseases is also very exciting.
How would you describe your research to a non-scientist?
I am greatly inspired by people living in the blue zones epitomizing healthy aging. Their diet, activity levels, and social connections are examples of how the environment can positively influence health and lifespan. The epigenome is at the nexus of the environment and genes. In my lab, we seek to understand epigenome changes with age in different mammalian tissues and uncover common features of healthy vs unhealthy aging. Targeting these common mechanisms will likely improve healthspan and alleviate age-related decline.
