Translational Geroscience
By targeting the fundamental processes of ageing, we aim to prevent or delay the onset of multiple age-related conditions simultaneously, potentially transforming the landscape of elderly care and healthy ageing.
As our global population ages, we face unprecedented challenges in healthcare and society. Age-related diseases and frailty not only impact individuals but also put immense pressure on healthcare systems worldwide. By targeting the fundamental processes of ageing, we aim to prevent or delay the onset of multiple age-related conditions simultaneously, potentially transforming the landscape of elderly care and healthy ageing.
We've developed a cutting-edge, three-stage pipeline for geroprotector research that takes promising compounds from initial discovery all the way to human trials:
1. Drug Screening and In Vitro models of ageing
Led by Dr. Gareth Richards
We're like detectives, but instead of solving crimes, we're uncovering compounds that could be the key to healthier ageing. Our state-of-the-art lab is equipped with:
- Robotic automation for medium-throughput drug screening
- Custom-designed assays that mimic aspects of cellular ageing
- Access to diverse libraries of small molecules and natural compounds
Recently, we developed a novel screening method that can identify compounds affecting cellular senescence - a key process in ageing - in just 48 hours. This breakthrough has the potential to accelerate geroprotector discovery significantly.
We offer collaboration opportunities to develop and test your compounds in our advanced screening platforms. Our team can help optimize your assays for high-throughput capabilities, potentially fast-tracking your research.
2. Preclinical testing in models of co-morbidities and frailty
Led by Professor Sheila Francis
We've gone beyond traditional single-disease models to develop complex, realistic representations of ageing and age-related diseases:
- Zebrafish p21GFP model: This innovative model allows us to visualize senescent cells in living organisms, providing rapid insights into potential senolytic compounds.
- Ageing mice models: We use standardized protocols to assess healthspan and frailty in mice, allowing for comparable results across international collaborations.
- Novel Co-morbidity Models: Our groundbreaking mixed models, such as the atherosclerosis-dementia model, help us understand the complex interplay between different age-related conditions.
We're pushing the boundaries by developing new mixed models that represent common combinations of age-related diseases, such as:
- Heart disease and arthritis
- Heart disease and COPD
- Chronic infection and heart disease
These models not only help us understand disease mechanisms but also serve as platforms for testing potential geroprotectors.
Case study highlight:
Our recent study on the link between heart disease and early brain dysfunction revealed that heart disease could treble a key Alzheimer's protein in the brain. This finding underscores the importance of our integrated approach to studying age-related diseases.
3. Early phase clinical trials
Led by Professor Ilaria Bellantuono
We're not just running standard clinical trials; we're reimagining how we can test geroprotectors in humans:
- Focus on resilience: Instead of looking at single disease outcomes, we're assessing how geroprotectors can boost overall resilience in pre-frail individuals.
- Cutting-edge methodologies: We're developing digital twins for frailty and using in silico clinical trials to augment our sample sizes and predict outcomes.
- Regulatory Alignment: Our outcome measures are carefully selected to align with regulatory requirements, paving the way for faster translation to clinical use.
For potential participants
If you're over 60 and interested in contributing to groundbreaking research that could reshape healthy ageing, we'd love to hear from you. Our trials are designed with your safety and comfort as top priorities. Contact us on healthylifespan@sheffield.ac.uk
Our success stems from the diverse expertise of our team:
- Drug discovery experts: Led by Dr. Gareth Richards, bringing years of pharmaceutical industry experience.
- Preclinical modeling specialists: Prof. Sheila Francis heads our innovative disease modeling efforts.
- Clinical trial pioneers: Prof. Ilaria Bellantuono ensures our research translates effectively to human applications.
- Bioinformatics and computational biology: Dr. Miguel Juarez leads our efforts in digital twin development and in silico trials.
Our work has been featured in leading scientific journals and has garnered attention from both the scientific community and the public:
- Nature Outlook feature on our innovative approach to multimorbidity research
- Landmark paper in eLife on our mixed model of atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease
- BBC documentary highlighting our zebrafish model for rapid senolytic testing
For academic researchers:
Join us in pushing the boundaries of geroscience. We offer:
- Access to our unique models and screening platforms
- Collaborative projects combining your expertise with our translational pipeline
- Joint grant applications leverageing our multidisciplinary approach
For industry partners:
Partner with us to accelerate your anti-ageing drug development:
- Utilize our validated models to test your compounds
- Benefit from our expertise in navigating regulatory pathways for geroprotectors
- Co-develop strategies for clinical translation of promising agents
For healthcare professionals:
Stay at the forefront of geroscience advancements:
- Participate in our clinical trials
- Attend our annual symposium on translational geroscience
- Collaborate on developing best practices for implementing geroprotective strategies in clinical settings
Join us in redefining ageing
Whether you're a researcher, industry professional, potential trial participant, or simply passionate about healthy ageing, there's a place for you in our mission. Together, we can work towards a future where ageing is not synonymous with decline, but an extension of healthy, vibrant living.