NEW YORK -- The American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) is pleased to announce the recipients of the inaugural Sagol Network GerOmic Award for Junior Faculty: Simone Sidoli, PhD, Assistant Professor, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Oscar Vivas, PhD, Research Assistant Professor, University of Washington School of Medicine.
Given the biological complexity and heterogeneity of the aging process, the emerging field of GerOmics research--which utilizes Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Systems Research, and Tech to study the biology of aging--can play an important role in providing important insights into the aging process and many age-related diseases. Established in 2020, the Sagol Network GerOmic Award for Junior Faculty provides up to $100,000 for a one- to two-year award to junior faculty (MDs and PhDs) to conduct aging-related -Omics research.
Dr. Sidoli's project, "Accessible heterochromatin in exceptional longevity, a proteomics signature" will apply methods to investigate the composition of chromatin domains that unfold during aging.
Dr. Sidoli will investigate peculiar traits of the chromatin in long living individuals and their progeny. He will also optimize 3D cell culture models to treat chromatin regulations in vitro. "With 3D cell technology, we grow small synthetic organs that accurately model the physiology of solid tissues, allowing us to mature hundreds of biological replicates in a small bioreactor minimizing the use of animal testing and plastic waste," he notes.
Dr. Vivas' project "Gero-Proteomics of the Autonomic Nervous System: A path to understanding the age-associated loss of organ control" will focus on homeostasis, the ability of the body to maintain an internal equilibrium in response to external changes. "Despite the recognized age-related decline in homeostasis, little is known about the direct effects of age on the function of the autonomic nervous system," notes Dr. Vivas. "The main goal of this project is to fill the gap in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind the age-related deterioration of the autonomic nervous system."
"GerOmics research is essential to help unfold the complexity of biology of aging," says Stephanie Lederman, Executive Director, AFAR. "AFAR is grateful for the support of the Sagol Network in launching this award and building the path to -Omics research to extend healthspan."
"In establishing this program, the Sagol Network recognized that AFAR's respected review process and global reputation as a leader in the field of aging research would ensure the brightest talent is supported," says Sami Sagol, Founder, Sagol Network. "We are encouraged that Dr. Vivas and Dr. Sidoldi are integrating Omics to advance biomedical research and excited for the impact of their studies and future of this grant program."
Dr. Vivas recently presented highlights of his Omics-based research at "The Future is Now: Innovations in AI and Big Data for Healthspan and Longevity," hosted by AFAR on February 9. A recording of the event is available here: https://www.afar.org/events/the-future-is-now-scientific-symposium-and-awards-ceremony-online.
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About AFAR
The American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) is a national non-profit organization that supports and advances pioneering biomedical research that is revolutionizing how we live healthier and longer. For four decades, AFAR has served as the field's talent incubator, providing more than $184 million to more than 4,200 investigators at premier research institutions nationwide. A trusted leader and strategist, AFAR also works with public and private funders to steer high quality grant programs and interdisciplinary research networks. AFAR-funded researchers are finding that modifying basic cellular processes can delay--or even prevent--many chronic diseases, often at the same time. They are discovering that it is never too late--or too early--to improve health. This groundbreaking science is paving the way for innovative new therapies that promise to improve and extend our quality of life--at any age. Learn more at http://www.afar.org or follow AFARorg on Twitter and Facebook.
About the Sagol Network
The Sagol Network was set up by the Sagol Family with a vision to support and accelerate advanced research, education and therapy in the fields of Neuroscience & Healthy lifespan. Under the leadership of Sami Sagol, the family set up a virtual network of schools & research centers based in leading academic and medical institutions promoting multidisciplinary projects, laboratories, and technologies. Among these, The Sagol School of Neuroscience at Tel Aviv University, Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center at Sheba Medical Centre, Sagol Institute for Longevity Research, Weizmann Institute, The Sagol Center for Neurobiology & Ethology and Emily Sagol Center for Creative Art Therapy at Haifa University, Sagol center for Brain & Mind at the IDC , The Sagol Brain center at Sourasky (Tel Aviv) medical center, The Sagol program for computational healthcare at Hebrew University, Kahn-Sagol-Maccabi Health Data Science Institute and The Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine & Research at Shamir Medical Center. Recently, the Sagol Network's philanthropic efforts have also extended to 'bridge' & promote collaborations between Ivy league institutions throughout the world, with initiatives such as Sagol MIT-Weizmann Bridge program, Sagol-Kandel Brain Longevity Initiative at Columbia University, and The Sagol Center for Epigenetics of Metabolism and Aging between Monash University, in Sydney and Tel Aviv Medical Center. The Sagol Network GerOmic Awards for Junior Faculty with American Federation for Aging Research exemplify the Sagol Network's global approach.