LIST OF GRANTEES
2011
Benedek Erdos, MD, PhD
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida
“Age-related dysregulation of the sympathetic nervous system and blood pressure; the role of hydrogen peroxide”
More than half of the population aged 65 or older has hypertension, and the risk for cardiovascular diseases is also elevated with age. In particular, the elderly do not regulate blood pressure as well as young people. Baseline blood pressure and sympathetic nervous system activity increase, while baroreflex sensitivity and circadian variation of blood pressure and heart rate decrease with age. Dr. Erdos hypothesizes that expression of catalase decreases with age in certain brain regions involved in blood pressure regulation, which could lead to elevated tissue levels of hydrogen peroxide in the hypothalamus and the brain stem. He will test whether age-related dysregulation of blood pressure can be reversed in rats by overexpressing catalase in these brain regions using viral vectors. This will help to determine whether maintaining adequate catalase expression and low hydrogen peroxide levels can lower sympathetic nervous system activity and blood pressure and increase baroreflex sensitivity, which are well known beneficial effects of life-long caloric restriction. These investigations will help to develop new preventive and therapeutic strategies against age-related hypertension.
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2010
Lina A. Shehadeh, PhD
Research Assistant Professor, University of Miami
“Role of miR-30e in the Collagen-Osteogenic Transition in Senescent Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells”
Aging is an independent risk factor for vascular disease, and vascular smooth cells (VSMCs) are particularly implicated in the development of many vascular disorders, including atherosclerosis and restenosis. Vascular calcification is strongly age-dependent and can contribute to the overall morbidity of atherosclerosis by decreasing the elasticity of blood vessels. Dr. Shehadeh hypothesizes that age-associated downregulation of miR-30e in smooth muscle cells induces vascular senescence and makes the VSMCs more calcified and stiff with age. Her research addresses the potential cause for the age-associated dysfunction of these cells, which has implications for new therapeutic targets.
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Noël Marysa Ziebarth, PhD
Assistant Professor, University of Miami
“Atomic Force Microscopy to Elucidate Age-Related Changes in Structure and Mechanics of the Ocular Lens”
Dr. Ziebarth’s study has tremendous implications for researchers who are developing techniques for the restoration of accommodation (presbyopia) and the prevention of cataracts, the leading cause of visual loss and blindness in the US. She suggests that the success of surgery to restore accommodation and stop cataract development requires a more complete understanding of the underlying mechanisms behind these debilitating eye diseases. Using state-of-the-art Atomic Force Microscopy techniques, Dr. Ziebarth will investigate the age-related changes in lens mechanics, which will be the foundation for the development of more effective treatments for both cataracts and presbyopia.
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2009
Yongjie Zhang, PhD
Postdoctoral fellow, Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Jacksonville
“Generation and Characterization of M337V TDP-43 Transgenic Mice: a Model for TDP-43 Proteinopathy”
Dr. Zhang is focused on creating a new model of familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Specific genetic mutations of the disease have been identified in recent years. Dr. Zhang is attempting to generate a novel transgenic mouse model of ALS that displays specific mutations. In the future, the results of his research could provide scientists with a model of ALS that would serve as a major step in developing ALS therapies for human sufferers of the disease.
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