Cellular and Molecular Geroscience CoBRE: Phase 2

University Of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr, Oklahoma City OK

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

ABSTRACT Impressive advances have occurred in our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of aging, including the discovery of interventions that delay aging and increase healthspan. Importantly, these interventions also have a profound impact on the incidence of age-related disease. These findings provide compelling evidence that multiple human diseases share a common mechanism - aging. This is the basis of geroscience-related studies and the focus of this application. The outcome of the initial CoBRE investment in Phase 1 resulted in independent NIH funding for 75% of the original RPLs and 100% of the PPLs. This overall 83% success rate resulted in new funding of $20,881,036 to geroscience investigators (181% return on investment to date) and 122 publications. As a result, two additional RPLs were recruited to our CoBRE during Phase 1 and are part of this competitive renewal. The Phase 2 CoBRE described in this application builds on the previous successes and expands our research base to create a dynamic, interdisciplinary, inter-departmental program on our campus. Our highly successful, well-established scientific experts who are currently studying mechanisms of aging and/or age-related disease will continue to mentor our RPLs and PPLs to synergize both the quantity and quality of research in the context of the aging organism. Additional RPLs are being recruited. All current and previous RPLs/PPLs benefit from the resources of the Oklahoma Nathan Shock Center and mentor graduate students and fellows and work interactively with our NIH Geroscience T32 Training grant. Thus, a dynamic, sustainable, and interdisciplinary Geroscience Research Program has emerged on the OUHSC campus based in large part due to CoBRE funding. Our goal is to continue to evolve the program into the Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging and a) produce a new generation of collaborative Geroscience-trained researchers who will continue to build OUHSC and Oklahoma as a leader in Geroscience research, b) integrate and improve the quality and quantity of Geroscience research at OUHSC, and c) increase the long-term growth of NIH competitive funding throughout Oklahoma. Our specific goals for the Phase 2 Cellular and Molecular Geroscience CoBRE are to: 1. Continue to build on the successes in Phase 1 and expand biomedical research in Geroscience through the mentoring of RPLs/PPLs by highly experienced, dedicated senior investigators, 2. Enhance the infrastructure critical for expanding Geroscience research, 3. Foster collegial, collaborative, and productive relationships among CoBRE investigators and other scientists, and 4. Establish milestones and expectations that ensure the success of the program and its participants. The expansion of geroscience expertise is fundamentally important for the advancement of scientific research since failure to understand the development and effects of disease in the context/milieu where it normally develops (the aging organism) compromises the success of translational research and clinical trials research.