Joel Perez-Perri Lab

RNA regulation and aging

Aging is characterized by a progressive decline in cellular homeostasis and stands as the single most significant risk factor for many prevalent human diseases. At the heart of cellular homeostasis is the cell’s ability to control gene expression, which entails the production of the RNAs and proteins required for proper cellular function. This process is exceptionally complex and prone to age-related malfunction.

Crucial steps in gene expression regulation are elicited at the RNA level by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and non-coding RNAs. There is mounting evidence suggesting that many of these processes become compromised in our tissues as we get old. However, the origin, extent and functional implications of these changes remain poorly understood. Our primary objective is to decipher how RBP malfunction and disruptions in RNA regulatory processes contribute to the aging process, and to utilize this knowledge to develop novel therapies aimed at promoting healthspan.