Research

C. elegans has 302 neurons and the connectome of neurons has been mapped out, which makes it an optimal organism to study the central neuron hub governing aging. C. elegans perceives its environment through 12 pairs of sensory neurons, most of which have been identified to regulate aging. However, very few other types of neurons are known to affect aging, and therefore the complete longevity neural circuit is far from understood. This project will provide mechanistic insights into the central neuron hub and the related metabolites responsive for governing aging and age-related diseases. 

The goal of aging research is not to produce long-lived unhealthy individuals, but to improve health in old individuals and delaying the onset of age-related diseases. Aging is the primary risk factor for multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Huntington’s disease (HD). It has been shown that the same genetic or pharmacological interventions that extend lifespan are also protective against neurodegenerative diseases across species. This project will identify common neuromodulating drugs that play a role in both aging and age-related diseases through targeting neuronal signaling genes, signals, and pathways.

Genetic manipulation or treatment with compounds improves both aging and neurodegeneration. However, the common neurons and signaling pathways shared by aging and neurodegenerative diseases are not known. Since age-related decline of proteostasis is a common cause of AD, PD, and HD, and at the same time a major target of multiple longevity pathways. This project will identify the common mechanisms shared by aging and neurodegenerative diseases that can be targeted by neuromodulating drugs benefiting both models.