Biology of Mobility and Aging Core

BMAC Summary/Abstract: Impairments with mobility and balance in older adults are due to changes in multiple systems that develop due to age-related alterations in basic biological processes. Insights accumulated over the last two decades in the basic biology of aging are poised to be rapidly translated into new interventions to promote a longer health span, which depends, in large part, on maintaining mobility and balance. However, significant barriers must be overcome before the approaches and technologies of basic science can be efficiently translated into clinical practice. While historically, the Pitt OAIC partnered with individual basic scientists, due to a growing infrastructure and critical mass studying the biological basis of aging at the University of Pittsburgh and throughout other OAICs, during the last cycle, we established a distinct Pepper Center Biology of Mobility and Aging Core (BMAC), with a dedicated focus on using ‘geroscience’ principles to advance discovery and translation. Over the previous funding cycle, the BMAC served as an engine of discovery and innovation to guide and enhance our clinical and translational efforts. Moreover, BMAC resources that include state-of-the- art instrumentation and methodologies, a range of seminars and didactics, as well as laboratory visits, unique genetic reagents and in-depth consultations, are widely and easily accessible to Pepper investigators. The BMAC includes internationally renowned faculty members who constitute a group of senior investigators with knowledge spanning neuroscience, muscle physiology, pre-clinical animal phenotyping, metabolomics, translational pharmacology, the microbiome and high throughput genetic and chemical screening platforms. All BMAC faculty operate state-of-the-art and well-funded laboratories in areas relevant to the biology of mobility and aging. The specific aims of the BMAC are: 1) Enhancing the capacity for cutting-edge research in mobility, balance, and aging by providing technical resources and expertise for basic science and translational studies, 2) To promote collaboration across Pitt Pepper Cores, the Biology of Aging Research Community, and other OAICs and Institutions, and 3) To support preparation of new proposals for independent funding and support the implementation of independently funded awards.