Understanding how diet and cell processes affect aging
Methionine Cycle as a Mechanistic Hub for the Hallmarks of Aging
This research explores how a specific nutrient pathway, called the methionine cycle, helps control the aging process in fruit flies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11105865 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are looking into how changes related to age, known as the 'Hallmarks of Aging,' are coordinated by nutrient sensing. While we know that diet can slow down aging, we don't fully understand how this happens at a cellular level. Our team is using fruit flies with special genetic changes to see how their bodies respond to nutrients and how this affects their lifespan. We believe the methionine cycle acts as a central control system for many aging processes, including how cells maintain themselves and respond to stress.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not involve direct patient participation or recruitment.
Not a fit: Patients will not receive direct medical benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide a deeper understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of aging, potentially leading to new strategies for promoting healthy aging in humans.
How similar studies have performed: While interventions in nutrient sensing have been shown to delay aging, the exact mechanisms of how they coordinate aging hallmarks are not yet fully understood, making this a novel approach to connect these processes.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Brown University — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tatar, Marc — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Tatar, Marc
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.