# Metabolism and Translational Science Core (RC 2)

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · 2020 · $146,045

## Abstract

Summary
Aging and disease feature progressive deterioration in various physiological and metabolic processes and are
associated with a decline in physical, cognitive, and sensory (hearing) function, all of which may lead to
mobility loss or inability to walk without assistance. The University of Florida (UF) Older Americans
Independence Center (OAIC) Metabolism and Translational Science Core (RC2), in collaboration with all other
UF OAIC cores, conducts translational research with biomarkers to determine mechanisms of this age-related
mobility loss. The Core supports the hypothesis that genome instability (nuclear and mitochondrial DNA
lesions), mitochondrial dysfunction, uncontrolled inflammation, excessive oxidative stress, and
deregulation of apoptosis and autophagy are major contributors to aging-related loss of mobility.
Focusing on these factors, RC2-supported research proposals use both standard and novel methodologies to
address potential causes of mobility loss in older Americans. RC2 pursues the following aims:
Aim 1: To support metabolism analyses for OAIC and external projects. To help OAIC investigators and
external collaborators achieve their aims, the Core provides both scientific expertise and laboratory resources,
including space and equipment. To investigate aging-related molecular, cellular, biochemical, and behavioral
changes in animal and human studies we develop novel technologies, including intravital-multiphoton
excitation laser-scanning microscopy, high-resolution respirometry, and quantitative assays for DNA lesions
with Q-PCR. We also apply standard technologies (Luminex®/Western blot/PCR), and, in animal studies we
perform functional phenotyping (physical function, cognition, and sensory/hearing). We store both human and
animal samples for future ancillary studies in close collaboration with UF's Clinical and Translational Science
Institute (CTSI) Biorepository. Our other functions relate to study design and protocol development.
Aim 2: To provide research expertise and support for Junior Scholars or new investigators interested
in research on aging. A central facility for acquiring research data and new laboratory skills (clinical to basic
and basic to clinical), the Core provides one-on-one training, instruction, and organized workshops. It also
advises scientists who are interested in new research areas or unfamiliar with certain techniques. By acquiring
these new skills, OAIC Junior Scholars or investigators new to research on aging can further develop their
interests independently. In summary, by measuring a selected set of functional, cellular, and molecular
markers, we believe we can assess a unique, comprehensive spectrum of age-related alterations to determine
which mechanisms cause age-related mobility loss. To this end, RC2 examines specific behavioral and
biological functions critical during aging. It also provides numerous junior investigators and OAIC Junior
Scholars research data; infrastructure; laborat...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9899183
- **Project number:** 5P30AG028740-14
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- **Principal Investigator:** CHRISTIAAN LEEUWENBURGH
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $146,045
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9899183

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9899183, Metabolism and Translational Science Core (RC 2) (5P30AG028740-14). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9899183. Licensed CC0.

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