Wisconsin Nathan Shock Center

University Of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract Energetics of Longevity Core The Wisconsin Nathan Shock Center (WiNSC) will build upon the remarkable strengths of the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) to provide state-of-the-art resources, infrastructure, and expertise in the basic biology of aging. It has recently become clear that metabolism is of central importance in the biology of aging, with both diet composition and timing, as well as key molecular sensors of nutrient availability, having profound effects on healthy aging and lifespan. The Energetics of Longevity Core will serve as a central hub for both novel and existing services to which WiNSC members, Research Award grant recipients, and the national aging community will have access. The innovative platforms established as part of this core includes 1) a Metabolite Tracer platform, which in collaboration with the Discovery and Integration Core D will enable molecule-level tracing of metabolites as they move through the cells and bodies of rodents of different ages subjected to different dietary, genetic, and pharmaceutical interventions; and 2) a Genetics Toolkit which will provide resources and training to help geroscientists leverage the growing datasets from aging studies conducted in genetically diverse mice. Integration with the Translation and Application Core E will support the Liquid Biopsy platform in generating multiple species panels for translation and reverse translation studies. Finally, we will establish and guide users through existing UW-Madison resources that are relevant to WiNSC’s mission, including the Mouse Phenotyping and Surgery Service, Advanced Genome Editing Lab, Animal Models Core, Small Animal Imaging and Radiotherapy Facility, Behavior Testing Service, Flow Cytometry Laboratory, Translational Research Initiatives in Pathology Laboratory, Comparative Pathology Laboratory, and the Optical Imaging Core. Access to services will be fee-based and tailored for studies that are aligned with the mission and vision of the Center. The efforts of the Energetics of Longevity Core are integrated with those of the other WiNSC Cores and affiliated services and are led by an internationally-recognized leadership team with expertise in aging, metabolism, genetics, and fluxomics, particularly as applied to rodent studies. This Core will enable the expansion of metabolism of aging research, including mechanistic studies that uncover how aging and metabolism intersect. We will work with the RD Core to support innovative Pilot and Idea Award projects as well as fee-for-service use to support investigator-initiated projects relevant to the biology and metabolism of aging.