UTSA Scientist Awarded $150,000 Grant to Study Brain Immunity and Aging
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A University of Texas at San Antonio researcher has received a significant grant to investigate the critical link between the brain’s immune system and the development of age-related diseases. The award, totaling $150,000, was presented by the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) and will fund a groundbreaking study into the biology of aging.
Unlocking the Secrets of Brain Immunity
Sijia He, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology at the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine and the Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, is the recipient of the prestigious junior faculty grant. Her research centers on the role of the brain’s immune system as a key driver in the aging process and its connection to chronic illnesses.
“Understanding how the brain acts as a control center for aging is crucial,” He stated. “By deciphering these mechanisms, we can potentially discover new strategies to promote healthy aging and prevent debilitating diseases.”
AFAR Invests in Future Aging Research
The AFAR grant program is designed to support the professional development of early-career scientists dedicated to aging research. This year, AFAR distributed a total of $900,000 to six researchers nationwide, funding projects expected to lay the groundwork for larger, long-term investigations into the complexities of aging.
According to a senior official at AFAR, “The AFAR Grant for Junior Faculty provides flexible support at a critical juncture for early-career investigators when research funding is most difficult to secure.” The organization has invested over $225 million in research over the past 40 years, fostering a new generation of scientists focused on extending healthy lifespans.
Targeting Cyclic GMP-AMP Synthase for Improved Health
He’s research will specifically focus on cyclic GMP-AMP synthase, a molecule that increases in concentration with age and contributes to inflammation and dementia. Preliminary findings from her lab demonstrate that inhibiting this molecule in the brain’s immune cells of a mouse model resulted in protection against memory loss and improvements in metabolism and blood sugar control.
The next phase of the study will expand the scope of investigation, exploring how signals from the brain’s immune system impact aging in other vital organs, including the liver, muscles, and heart. This work will be conducted at the Barshop Institute, with additional support from the San Antonio Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging at UT San Antonio.
A Foundation for Longer, Healthier Lives
The research funded by AFAR promises to contribute significantly to the growing body of knowledge surrounding the biology of aging. By identifying key molecular targets and understanding the interconnectedness of organ systems, scientists are paving the way for innovative therapies that could improve and extend quality of life for individuals of all ages.
Learn more about the American Federation for Aging Research and its commitment to advancing aging research at https://www.afar.org/.
