09/21

September 21, 2023 . EVENTS

VITAL 2023

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Ventures in the Aging Landscape (VITAL) Research Symposium

Join us for the VITAL Research Symposium, a unique gathering where interdisciplinary research converges with a singular focus on aging. Hosted by the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, this event showcases the most recent and groundbreaking research carried out by our dedicated postdoctoral researchers across all disciplines.

This symposium promises to be an enriching platform for both scientists and community members alike. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the latest advancements in aging research. Be prepared to engage in insightful conversations, network with prolific researchers, and participate in thought-provoking discussions. Our goal is to foster an environment of learning and discovery, where every question leads us one step closer to unraveling the mysteries of aging.

The VITAL Research Symposium is not just about research presentation; it’s about nurturing successful career paths as well. We’ve integrated dedicated sessions tailored to cater to researchers, general audiences, and a specially curated panel discussion. The panel highlights the journey of our successful alumni, providing you with insights into their paths towards impactful careers.

Come and be a part of the VITAL Research Symposium — where science meets society, and research propels us towards a better understanding of aging.

Date
September 21, 2023
Time
9:00 am - 5:00 pm PT
Venue
Buck Institute

8001 Redwood Blvd
Novato, California 94945

Service Animal Accommodation
Keynote Speaker

Tony Wyss-Coray, Ph.D
D.H. Chen Professor of Neurology and Neurological Sciences
Director, Phil and Penny Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience
Stanford University, California, USA

 
Abstract:

Systemic factors as regulators of brain aging and neurodegeneration

Aging leads to the degradation of function and the onset of diseases in nearly all tissues and organs. This process is marked by significant shifts in gene expression and changes in concentrations spanning all types of biological molecules. Recent technological progress has allowed biologists to measure an unprecedented array of these molecules throughout an organism, providing unique insights into the physiological and pathological conditions of cells and organs, including the aging process.

Our research has been centered on brain aging, a process that results in cognitive decline and is a major risk factor for sporadic neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. While brain cell- and tissue-intrinsic factors are likely essential in driving the aging process recent studies document a remarkable sensitivity of the brain to circulatory factors. Thus, blood borne factors from young mice or humans are sufficient to counteract aspects of brain aging and improve cognitive function in old mice. Conversely, factors from old mice are detrimental to young mice and impair cognition. We found evidence that the cerebrovasculature is an important target of circulatory factors and that brain endothelial cells show prominent age-related transcriptional changes in response to plasma. Furthermore, plasma proteins are taken up broadly into the young brain through receptor mediated transport at the vasculature a process that decreases with age. Simultaneously, proteins originating in the brain can be detected in plasma. This allows us to observe physiological shifts related to brain aging in the blood and offers novel methods to monitor individual brain physiology and aging.

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Directions

The Buck Institute is located 25 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge.

San Francisco Airport/San Francisco/South Bay:

  • Take Highway 101 North across the Golden Gate Bridge
  • Take the last Novato exit — Atherton/San Marin Drive (just north of the DeLong exit)
  • Turn left at the stoplight, and go west over the freeway overpass
  • Get in the right lane, and turn right at the second stoplight onto Redwood Boulevard
  • Go approximately ½ mile, and turn left onto Buck Center Drive
  • At the top of the hill, turn left into the Visitor Parking Lot

Berkeley/Oakland/Oakland International Airport:

  • Take Highway 80 to Highway 580 West, and cross the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge
  • Take 580 until it merges with Highway 101 North in San Rafael
  • Take the last Novato exit — Atherton/San Marin Drive (just north of the DeLong exit)
  • Turn left at the stoplight, and go west over the freeway overpass
  • Get in the right lane, and turn right at the second stoplight onto Redwood Boulevard
  • Go approximately ½ mile, and turn left onto Buck Center Drive
  • At the top of the hill, turn left into the Visitor Parking Lot

From Sonoma County, take Highway 101 South:

  • Take the first Novato exit (Atherton/San Marin Drive)
  • Turn right at the stoplight, and stay in the right lane
  • Take an immediate right onto Redwood Boulevard
  • Go approximately ½ mile, and turn left onto Buck Center Drive
  • At the top of the hill, turn left into the Visitor Parking Lot

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