Early detection of mitochondrial dysfunction and its impact on immune health

Overview

As we age our immune system undergoes significant changes, resulting in higher rates of infections, chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer.

Mitochondria, the powerhouse organelles of our cells, become damaged over time, affecting immune cell function. This means we might get sick more often, face more chronic inflammatory diseases, and even have a higher risk of cancer.

But here's the exciting part, our previous research with the longitudinal “Dunedin Study” found that by age 45, the fastest-ageing people had higher levels of a mitochondrial stress signal called GDF-15. This means that early signs of mitochondrial dysfunction are detectable at middle age.

Now, we’re taking this to the next level with the Canterbury Health, Ageing and Life Course study (CHALICE), a cohort that is about a decade older than the Dunedin study participants. We are going to explore the link between mitochondrial stress and changes in immune cells by analysing blood samples from the CHALICE participants. We will measure GDF-15 and mitochondrial DNA in the blood to see how healthy the mitochondria are. In addition, we will look at different white blood cell types to see how well they are working and explore connections with mitochondrial dysfunction.

This research isn’t just about understanding ageing – it's about finding new ways to keep our immune systems functioning optimally. We hope to find biomarkers that can help us track and even improve immune health with targeted treatments.

The student will acquire laboratory skills in:

• Cell culture
• Blood processing
• ELISA
• qPCR
• Flow cytometry
• Statistical analyses

Preferred student expertise

An interest in immunology and mitochondria is a bonus, must be willing to work with blood.

This is one of a number of projects on offer for the next intake of BBiomedSc(Hons) at the University of Otago, Christchurch campus.

Useful information

• Graduate research at the University of Otago
• Scholarships at the University of Otago

Further information

• University of Otago, Christchurch, BBiomedSc(Hons)
• Dr Annika Seddon’s profile page
• Mātai Hāora – Centre for Redox Biology and Medicine
• Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science
• Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, UOW