Monika Bambouskova, Ph.D.

ABSTRACT

This project investigates the role of protein prenylation—a post-translational modification mediated by isoprenoid metabolites—in the aging immune system. Aging is associated with chronic inflammation (“inflammaging”), yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Preliminary data suggest that aging leads to a decline in isoprenoid metabolism, impairing protein prenylation and contributing to immune dysfunction. The study hypothesizes that this decline can be reversed through dietary supplementation with isoprenoids. Using mouse models, the research will characterize age-related changes in protein prenylation and evaluate the effects of isoprenoid supplementation on metabolic and immune parameters.

Lay Summary:

As the population of older adults continues to grow, there is a critical need to understand the factors driving health complications in aging and develop strategies that can enhance quality of life in the elderly. Improving immune function in older age has the potential to reduce heightened risks of infectious diseases, diminished vaccine effectiveness, inflammation, and other health challenges associated with suboptimal immune responses. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying immune decline in aging remain incompletely understood, limiting the development of targeted therapeutic interventions.

This study identifies protein prenylation—a post-translational modification that regulates immune signaling—as a potential molecular mechanism influencing immune fitness in human aging. The research aims to map protein prenylation status during aging and evaluate the effects of a prenylation-targeted therapeutic strategy on metabolic and immune fitness. Specifically, it will assess whether dietary supplementation with isoprenoids (precursors to prenylation) can reverse age-associated immune decline. If successful, this research could lead to non-invasive interventions that rejuvenate immune function and improve health outcomes in aging populations.