Metabolism & Translational Science Core

Study the biomedical side of the aging process with services provided by the UF Pepper Center Metabolism and Translational Science Core.

A graphic portraying the relationships between population health, clinical implementation, clinical research, pre-clinical research, and basic molecular research in relation to patient involvement.

The complexities of aging and disease challenge us as researchers. While we have solid knowledge about some of the basic aging processes, many essential questions remain.  

As we age, our bodies undergo complex, progressive changes in physiological and metabolic processes, leading to a decline in both physical and cognitive functions. These changes become strong indicators of potential mobility loss in our later years. 

Our goal is to determine whether targeted interventions can effectively delay the onset and progression of impaired mobility. 

Core Functions

Geroscience-related research seeks first to comprehend how aging contributes to diseases and then to leverage that knowledge to slow down aging, reverse its effects, and potentially delay or cure age-related diseases. The Metabolism and Translational Science Core acts as both an advisory and a technical resource for scientists interested in geroscience research, providing support with techniques and targeted analyses.  

What can our core bring to your research program? We support investigations of specific proteins, RNA and DNA biomarkers, and delve into the intricacies of metabolism in isolated mitochondria and white blood cells. Why? Because it helps us unravel the mysteries of healthy aging and the biological factors contributing to the loss of mobility and independence.  

Our services include: 

  • Analysis | Provide detailed analyses of protein, RNA, and DNA biomarkers linked to major biological and metabolic pathways associated with aging, including mitochondrial function, inflammation, senescence, autophagy, circadian clock biology, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) homeostasis. 
  • Consultation | Offer consultation services for investigators diving into geroscience-related research. If you are exploring how aging influences diseases but are unfamiliar with specific techniques or analyses, we are here to guide you. 

Seek our consultation in the pursuit of creating a more mobile future for older persons.  

Resources

Our facilities offer world-class equipment and resources, and the ability to obtain various types of samples. See table below for examples of available equipment.

Conference Room Institute on Aging

Equipment

Major Equipment
Luminex 200
Jess System
Bio-Tek Synergy HTX Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
Oxygraph-2k (Oroboros)
Agilent/Seahorse XFe96 Flux Analyzer

Please contact us with any specific concerns or requests.

Core Leadership

Christiaan Leeuwenburgh
Department: Department of Physiology and Aging

Christiaan Leeuwenburgh PhD

Professor Department Of Physiology And Aging
Phone: (352) 273-5735
Rui Xiao
Department: Department of Physiology and Aging

Rui Xiao PhD

Associate Professor
Phone: (352) 273-9389

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