This project seeks to investigate the role of amino acids, including glycine, on metabolism, aging, and skeletal muscle function. While glycine has been shown to increase lifespan in various model organisms, its effects on healthspan remain uncertain. Our study examines the potential of longterm glycine administration to improve healthspan, with a particular focus on frailty as a key indicator of aging. Preliminary findings suggest that glycine supplementation in aging models results in better frailty outcomes compared to controls, implying potential benefits for improving agerelated health. We conducted functional tests and transcriptomic analyses to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind glycine’s effects on muscle function in aging pre-clinical models. These investigations aim to identify biological pathways that may be modulated by glycine, contributing to enhanced muscle function and overall aging outcomes.
To assess the translational potential of glycine supplementation for human health, we analyzed the metabolic profile by measuring blood metabolites in both young and older adults. By identifying specific metabolites and their associated metabolic pathways, we aimed to explore age-related differences in metabolism and their connection to age-related health outcomes. Furthermore, as glycine is a one-carbon donor in the one-carbon metabolism pathway, it plays a critical role in DNA methylation and aging. Data from the LifeLines-DEEP cohort, which includes an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of plasma metabolites from a large number of participants, will provide valuable insights into the relationships between biological age (DNA methylation age) and metabolite levels, as well as DNAm levels in glycine related genes and metabolites level. This dataset is crucial for understanding how changes in the plasma metabolome with age might influence epigenetic factors.
The main objective of this research is to offer a deeper understanding of how glycine and associated metabolites may promote healthspan and counteract the effects of aging, with particular emphasis on skeletal muscle function and metabolic pathways. By investigating the interplay between glycine, metabolism, and epigenetics, we aim to explore the potential of glycine supplementation as a therapeutic approach for age-related diseases. The findings from this study could have significant implications for human health, potentially guiding future interventions to enhance healthy aging and improve quality of life in older adults.