We use the nematode worm C. elegans and mammalian cell culture systems to study the interaction between lipids and aging. Using a combination of cell biology, lipid interventions, coupled with genetics and screening techniques we dissect the function of specific lipids and the organelles that process them for aging and longevity.
Lipid droplets are conserved lipid storage organelles that are critical for energy homeostasis. We recently showed that an increase in lipid droplets is critical for longevity induced by MUFAs. We focus on unravelling the mechanism of how lipid droplets shape tissue and cellular homeostasis to drive longevity. To do this, we use a combination of tissue-specific and dietary manipulations, mass spectrometry and cell biology to understand how lipid droplets drive longevity in a tissue-specific manner.
Organelles rarely act in isolation, and they are in frequent contact with each other to exchange lipids, proteins or metabolites. However, despite their critical role in numerous biological processes, it is largely unknown how aging affects the organelle interaction landscape. We are interested in identifying changes in the organelle interaction landscape with aging and testing if they can be leveraged to promote longevity. We use a combination of genome-wide screening tools, fluorescence microscopy, electron microscopy and protein engineering.
Lipid metabolism undergoes substantial changes during aging and is recognized as a regulator of lifespan. A major challenge of studying aging related interventions is the manifestation over a long period of time. We use human fibroblasts expressing progerin, a model of Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, to study aging associated mechanisms in an accelerated way. By combining high-throughput screening, fluorescence microscopy and lipidomics, we aim to identify the underlying pathways and develop strategies to modulate cellular health.