Metals, Oxidative Stress, and Aging

    My laboratory has two main goals. One is to understand the importance of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) in oxidative stress and aging in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. We are interested in understanding the role played by various SODs in development and longevity in C. elegans. The second goal is to study transition metal metabolism (specifically copper, iron and manganese) in C. elegans and to assess its relevance to oxidative stress and aging. Altered metal metabolism and oxidative stress has been linked with several human neurodegenerative disorders. Oxidative stress is also thought to play a role in aging. We are particularly interested in addressing the following questions: Can supplementation of growth media with metals such as copper, manganese or iron alter oxidative stress status in vivo? Does metal supplementation or deficiency have an effect on longevity?  My laboratory is using various analytical, biochemical and biophysical methods to explore the contribution of SOD and metals to oxidative stress and aging.