Associate Scientist, Orentreich Foundation for the Advancement of Science
Hevolution/AFAR New Investigator Awards in Aging Biology and Geroscience Research - 2022
What inspired you to pursue aging research?
I became interested in aging research accidentally. My primary interest was in nutrition and its effect on chronic diseases. During my PhD in Dr. John Richie’s lab, I became involved in sulfur amino acid restriction (SAAR) as a side project. SAAR not only decreases the severity of multiple age-related diseases but also extends lifespan. It was the most drastic effect of any nutritional intervention I ever knew (I did not know about caloric restriction then). Since then, I have realized that some molecular mechanisms underlying the aging process and age-related diseases intertwine. Identifying and regulating such mechanisms serves the dual benefit of understanding the aging process and extending healthspan. My current interest and projects focus on topics that intersect nutrition and aging.
In your view, what does AFAR mean to the field, and what does it mean for you to receive an AFAR grant now?
I consider AFAR an excellent stimulant for geroscience research. Its impact on the research community through grants, dissemination of new findings, and exchange of knowledge through scientific conferences is far-reaching. Receiving an AFAR grant is a big leap for my career. It is highly satisfying to know that the review committee considered my proposed work to have a considerable impact on the field of aging research.
What is exciting about your research’s potential impact?
My proposed work on serine and lipid metabolism is applicable to multiple metabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The knowledge generated will also be applicable to many age-related diseases, including cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. Another exciting aspect is that we will test the targetability of our proposed mechanism and complement such data with human studies.
How would you describe your research to a non-scientist?
Older individuals are more likely to experience diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cancers, etc. Each of these diseases occurs due to multiple underlying causes, some of which are common. Understanding these common mechanisms enables the development of drugs that might treat multiple diseases. Our previous studies suggest that serinogenesis, a biochemical mechanism, might limit the accumulation of body fat. Since excess body fat increases the risk for multiple diseases, we are testing if our proposed mechanism is true and, if so, whether it can be activated using drugs.
