Mentor Areas
- Understanding the regulation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) synthesis and utilization in mammals.
- In vivo tracing of metabolites.
- Caloric restriction and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling.
Description:
The Baur lab is interested in the basic mechanisms that lead to aging. Age is the most important risk factor for many of the diseases affecting Western society today, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. Although the causes of aging are not known, it can be delayed experimentally in rodents by decreasing energy intake in the absence of malnutrition (caloric restriction, CR). Elucidating the mechanism(s) by which CR extends lifespan is expected to yield insights into the causes of aging and to highlight new therapeutic approaches to the prevention and treatment of age-related disease. Several projects in the lab are currently focused on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) metabolism, using a combination of transgenic approaches, supplementation strategies, and isotopically-labeled tracer studies.
A second major focus is on understanding the mechanism of action for rapamycin, an inhibitor of the nutrient-sensing mTOR complexes. Rapamycin is the most robust and reproducible pharmacological strategy known to extend the maximum lifespan of a mammalian species. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown, and side effects including immunosuppression and the elevation of cardiovascular risk factors are likely to limit the utility of the drug in humans. We are particularly interested in testing the hypothesis that disruption of mTOR signaling in adipose tissue is responsible for detrimental effects of rapamycin that might be counteracted using other drugs or nutrients. In addition, we have an ongoing collaboration with the Naidoo lab to study the effects of endoplasmic reticulum stress in Alzheimer's disease models. Virtual mentoring is not possible for this project.
Preferred Qualifications
The position will require working with live animals. Prior lab experience preferred.
Project Website
Learn more about the researcher and/or the project here. Baur Lab
Details:
Preferred Student Year
First-year, Second-Year, Junior, Senior
Academic Term
Fall, Spring, Summer
I prefer to have students start during the above term(s).Volunteer
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to volunteers.Paid
No
Yes indicates that faculty are open to paying students they engage in their research, regardless of their work-study eligibility.Work Study
Yes
Yes indicates that faculty are open to hiring work-study-eligible students.