Comparative Mitochondrial Health Assessment Core

University Of Alabama At Birmingham, Birmingham AL

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Project Summary (Comparative Mitochondrial Health Assessment Core) The maintenance of normal mitochondrial bioenergetics and metabolism is essential for healthy aging. Although bioenergetic metrics have been surveyed in a broad range of aging models, integration of these parameters with mitochondrial quality control mechanisms and mitochondrial genetics, and leverage these measurement to translate aging research programs to potential aging therapeutics, are necessary for a better understanding of healthy aging. We will continue to offer our expertise on the interface between mitophagy, mitochondrial function and inflammation in which we have unique expertise. In addition, we offer the techniques needed to determine the impact of mitochondria-nuclear interactions (which also were pioneered at UAB) and pro-inflammatory signaling through mitochondrial Damage Associated Molecular Patterns (mtDAMPs). Molecular energetics, metabolomics techniques and metabolic therapeutics will be applied to model species of special interest to gerontology scientists. In the Comparative Mitochondrial Health Assessment Core (Mitometabolism Core) both state of the art and established techniques in bioenergetics/metabolism, mitochondrial genetics, mitochondrial dynamics/mitophagy and redox biology will be offered. State of the art experimental design, and protocols for assessing cellular bioenergetics in various live and frozen cells/tissues/organisms of aging models can be achieved. The Mitometabolism Core will provide scientific and technical assistance to measure these parameters of mitochondrial quality control. The mitochondrial nuclear exchange (MNX) mice will be offered to the aging community to allow the contribution of specific mitochondrial DNA sequences to the process of aging to be assessed independent of the nuclear contribution. Additional services will be provided to NIA regular and supported members and pilot grant awardees in determination of mechanisms of interaction of small molecule therapeutics with mitochondrial and glycolytic function. This Core will also evaluate other impact of candidate therapeutics on mitophagy and the release of mtDNA DAMPs, using high throughput, sensitive, versatile, optimized approaches that are well- integrated with the whole Metabolism Core. We will also perform mechanistic studies of mitochondrial bioenergetics, supercomplex integrity, and quality control, as well as their regulation by circadian clock, and track the exosomal transfer of mtDNA and mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes. The Mitometabolism Core will also provide education and training in the measures of mitochondrial health.