RESEARCH
EPIGENETIC MANIPULATION OF AGING
Cellular machinery and information gradually deteriorate as entropy increases over time. The epigenome, operating as biological software, retains memories of cell states and provides resilience against stress. We have discovered that glitches in the epigenetic information cause aging in mammals, but restoring it through gene therapies or drugs can turn back the cellular clock and rejuvenate tissues. This suggests the pace and direction of aging can be epigenetically controlled. Our quest is to understand the molecular mechanisms of aging, both forward and in reverse, and to develop innovative strategies to reinstate the body’s youthfulness, with a primary focus on the brain.
EPIGENETIC DECODING OF BRAIN AGING
Investigating the epigenetic foundations of brain aging to restore a youthful mind.
​One of humanity's greatest fears is losing self-identity and becoming disconnected from reality, conditions that are triggered and exacerbated by brain aging. With the dramatic extension of the human lifespan over the last century, age-related brain diseases, including Alzheimer's, have become some of the fastest-growing health concerns and a significant social burden. Our goal is to determine whether and how the disruption of epigenetic information drives brain aging and exacerbates neurodegenerative diseases. By targeting aging rather than specific symptoms, we aim to simultaneously address a wide range of brain pathologies.
NEXT GENERATION EPIGENETIC REJUVENATION
Developing new therapies that restore or stabilize youthful epigenome.
Every cell in our body operates using the same genetic code, yet distinct epigenetic information grants each cell type its unique identity and function. Our work suggests that the loss of epigenetic information drives aging, emphasizing that, due to the reversible nature of the epigenetic changes, aging is more amenable than previously believed. Our goal is to develop safe, cost-effective methods to reprogram the epigenome to its youthful state and identify new epigenetic targets for rejuvenation.
EROSION OF CELL IDENTITY
Investigating cellular identity noise as a cause of aging.
We have discovered that the developmental program and cell identity become increasingly noisy over time due to the smoothening of the epigenetic landscape, leading to a loss of tissue function. Recent studies have reported eroded chromatin and cellular identity noise in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. The key questions remain: Is identity noise a driver of aging or merely a symptom? And if it is the former, can this process be reversed to treat brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases? Our goal is to identify the unique characteristics of ID-loss cells and determine how to retrieve their original identity and specialized functions.
BRAIN-BODY AGING CROSSTALK
Restoring brain health by rejuvenating its interconnected organs.
The brain crosstalks dynamically with other organs, suggesting a close tie between brain aging and the youthfulness of these interconnected systems. Our objective is to identify the key organs most closely linked to brain aging and rejuvenate them to indirectly bolster brain function. This strategy revitalizes not just the brain but also systemic health. It is particularly valuable when direct brain stimulation poses risks, allowing us to safely restore brain vitality through the rejuvenation of other organs.
