Interdisciplinary Research Areas

Interdisciplinary Research Areas (IRAs)

• IRA 1 - Mechanisms of ageing at the molecular and pathway level

  This research group aims to analyse active mechanisms against molecular pathway failures limiting cellular, tissue and organismal adaptive plasticity in ageing. By applying an integrative approach combining multi-omics data, the study will identify phenotypic and biological predictors that serve as reference points of normal ageing at pathway level.

• IRA 2 - Genetic determinants of metabolic plasticity and resilient ageing

  This research group explores how genetic differences influence molecular pathways of resilient ageing in different model systems. Gene variants impact metabolic pathways, mediating interactions with nutritional and other environmental components that can affect ageing trajectories.

• IRA 3 - Physical and chemical extrinsic factors shaping mechanisms and dynamics of ageing

  Humans are exposed to chemical and physical factors in living and working environment. Cohort studies connect these with accelerated ageing and age-associated diseases. This research group aims to dissect the molecular ageing mechanisms by assessing environmental factors and their impact on adaptive metabolic plasticity pathways.

• IRA 4 - Lifestyle determinants shaping resilient ageing and the dynamics of ageing

  Lifestyle factors have repeatedly and robustly been shown to influence ageing in epidemiological studies. Direct biological effects of lifestyle factors have been proven to improve health parameters and lifespan in non-human primates and humans. This research group brings together existing data on human cohorts with molecular analyses of lifestyle factors (e.g. micronutrients) and immune response and animal models to test those factors on adaptive metabolic plasticity.

• IRA 5 - Social and ecological factors shaping resilient ageing mechanisms and the dynamics of ageing

  Social interactions at the individual level and the interactions of the individual within its social contexts (e.g. social hierarchies) as well as within its ecological contexts (e.g. rural vs. urban environments) have been shown to influence ageing. This research group assesses the social and ecological factors for their influence on ageing, which will result in the generation of hypotheses.

• IRA 6 - Modeling Predictors of Resilient Ageing

  This research group provides two modelling platforms to exchange virtual data and monitor code development. The two modelling platforms are named “Dynamic trajectory changes” and “Modelling of molecular and pathway interactions”. With its modelling expertise, this Interdisciplinary Research Area will develop methods to formalize mechanisms and identify predictors of resilient ageing.