Eulalio Saldana

He/him

Education: Majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics

Mentor: Shijiao Huang, Ph.D.

McNair Project: Enhancing Healthspan in C. elegans via Fatty Acid Metabolism Knockdown

Aging is characterized by a progressive decline in physiological functions, increasing susceptibility to diseases and mortality. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of aging is crucial for developing interventions to delay its onset and promote a healthy lifespan. Research using Caenorhabditis elegans has highlighted the genetic and environmental factors influencing aging, particularly those involving fatty acid metabolism and lipid handling, which are strongly linked to longevity. Fatty acids, essential for cell membranes and as energy sources, are intricately linked to lifespans, stress resistance, and age-related diseases. Lipid handling, encompassing storage, mobilization, and utilization, is vital for cellular homeostasis and energy balance, crucial to aging and metabolic health. The fmo-2 gene (Flavin-containing Monooxygenase 2) in C. elegans has emerged as a key player in this context, acting as a biomarker or longevity and metabolic processes. The activity of fmo-2 is influenced by pharmacological and genetic interventions, making it a valuable target for anti-aging research. Trifluoperazine, an antipsychotic repurposed for research, induces fmo-2 expression, impacting fatty acid metabolism and lipid handling. This research aims to dissect how fatty acid metabolism and its pathways mediate trifluoperazine-mediated lifespan extension and health improvement using RNAi technology, genetic manipulation, and imaging techniques. By elucidating the mechanism of fatty acid metabolism in longevity and health span, we aim to develop therapeutic targets for aging and age-related diseases, promoting longevity and metabolic health in C. elegans and beyond.