Connecting the metabolism of aging and cancer.

Our lab is interested in the mechanisms connecting the decline of the energetic metabolism that occurs during aging with aging-related diseases, such as cancer, and with increased susceptibility to inflammatory conditions. We focus on how a switch in the functioning of mitochondria to promote reactive oxygen species production changes chromatin structure and gene expression patterns that affect how cells work, behave and interact with each other. Our goal is to target these redox epigenetic processes to rejuvenate effector immune cells (i.e. macrophages and neutrophils) to perform adequately against pathogens and enhance cancer clinical care.