How cellular oxidation affects metabolism and fat-burning as we age
Defining the landscape and mechanisms of redox regulation of metabolism during aging
This project looks at how tiny chemical changes from reactive oxygen on proteins affect metabolism and heat production in aging, with the goal of finding targets to keep older adults healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251223 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use a specialized proteomics method to map exactly which protein cysteines are modified by reactive oxygen in tissues. They compare normal aging, calorie-restricted animals, and genetically diverse mouse populations to find redox changes linked to better metabolism and longer health. The team focuses on proteins that control heat production in fat tissue to understand age-related declines in thermogenesis and weight gain. These laboratory findings aim to reveal molecular targets for future therapies to help preserve metabolic health with age.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most likely to benefit are older adults experiencing age-related metabolic decline or weight gain who are interested in future therapies to improve fat-burning and energy balance.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to metabolism or those expecting immediate clinical treatments would not directly benefit from this lab-based mouse research at present.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular targets that lead to new treatments to maintain heat production, reduce age-related weight gain, and improve metabolic health in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has linked reactive oxygen and caloric restriction to aging and metabolism, but this precise cysteine-mapping proteomics approach and the specific targets identified are relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xiao, Haopeng — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Xiao, Haopeng
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.