# Metabolism and Translational Science Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · 2023 · $245,236

## Abstract

Summary
 The University of Florida (UF) Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC) supports the overall
theme of “promotion of mobility and independence.” The Metabolism and Translational Science Core (RC2), in
collaboration with our other UF OAIC cores, supports biochemical analyses for preclinical, human
interventional, or observational clinical studies. By measuring a selected set of biomarkers, we can determine
how targeted interventions influence the rate of aging, as well as loss of mobility and independence. This core
thereby provides the support for the Research Education Core (REC) Scholars and pilot study investigators.
 Aging and disease feature progressive deterioration of various physiological and metabolic processes.
This is associated with altered functions or contents of protein, RNA, and DNA, which provide biomarkers to
monitor aging. Multiple pathways and domains have been associated with aging, such as genomic instability
(including telomere attrition, mutations, and deletions); epigenetic alterations; loss of proteostasis (including
dysfunctional autophagy); deregulated nutrient sensing; mitochondrial (Mt) dysfunction; inflammation and
cellular senescence; stem cell exhaustion, disrupted circadian clock rhythms; and dysfunctional nicotinamide
adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) homeostasis. The specific analyses of protein, RNA, and DNA biomarkers that
this core will provide are related to major biological and metabolic pathways known to regulate aging and focus
on: (i) Mt function; (ii) inflammation and senescence; (iii) autophagy; (iv) circadian clock biology; and
(v) NAD+ homeostasis. We use innovative analytical tools and standard high-throughput analysis to
determine the fundamental biological mechanisms of aging. The Metabolism and Translational Science Core
(RC2) supports the overarching hypothesis that knowledge of specific protein, RNA, and DNA biomarkers, as
well as measurements of metabolism of isolated mitochondria and white blood cells (WBCs), are critical for
understanding the trajectory of healthy aging and the underlying biological causes of mobility loss.
 We will support extraction of proteins, RNA, and DNA; analysis of biomarkers; isolation of cells (WBCs)
and organelles (mitochondria); and assessments of Mt function. RC2 will provide investigators across the
OAIC Cores and REC Scholars with established methodologies; scientific data; infrastructure; highly qualified
personnel; and consultative and collaborative expertise. We have a rich history of completing studies for REC
Scholars and senior investigators at UF, as well as scientists around the country.
RC2 pursues the following aims:
Aim 1: To support protein, RNA, and DNA isolation and analysis of specific biomarkers of aging.
Aim 2: To support analysis of Mt respiration, Mt enzyme activities, and NAD coenzymes.
Aim 3: To facilitate and provide consultation on analyses and sample storage, and collaborate synergistically
with the other OAIC cores to pursue the c...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10631863
- **Project number:** 5P30AG028740-17
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- **Principal Investigator:** CHRISTIAAN LEEUWENBURGH
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $245,236
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2007-06-01 → 2027-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10631863

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10631863, Metabolism and Translational Science Core (5P30AG028740-17). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-28 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10631863. Licensed CC0.

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