Identifying novel ageing biomarkers and targets by characterising Earth and space hallmarks of ageing in the synovium

Lay Abstract
People now live longer, but often not healthier lives. Older people increasingly suffer from multiple conditions, such as joint diseases, which reduce their quality of life. However, why we age, and why ageing causes disease are not well understood. Researching ways to measure and target ageing itself might allow us to develop treatments that help people live longer and healthier lives. Our research group propose that many joint diseases, like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, are actually manifestations of people's cells ageing in different ways. We want to test this idea by studying the synovium, which produces the fluid that lubricates many joints, such as the knee. Specifically, we will compare gene activity in younger and older people, and between different types of arthritis. We also want to test how space travel, where there is less gravity, affects ageing by sending miniature versions of the synovium to space. As this data is highly complex, we will use programming and artificial intelligence methods that help us determine the factors that influence ageing-related gene activity in different cell types. By comparing Earth and space ageing, we can better understand the factors that affect different aspects of ageing.
BBSRC priority areas
- Healthy ageing across the life course
- Data-driven biology