Spotlight: Finding the Invisible Signs of Aging
 Juan Chavez, a doctoral student of Dr. Claudia Maier, investigates the changes that occur in heart proteins during the aging process.
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We all know what aging looks like. Graying hair. Wrinkles. Perhaps a slightly larger waistline. There are also the more subtle changes such as feeling less energetic. What causes these less visible changes? Juan Chavez is investigating changes that occur in heart tissues during the aging process, research that may help answer that question. Chavez is a doctoral student in the Department of Chemistry and a student of Dr. Claudia Maier, an EHSC Investigator. Everyday living and normal breathing of oxygen creates free radicals that scientists call reactive oxygen species (ROS). Think of normal respiration as a campfire, and ROS are the random sparks that occasionally jump out of the fire, sometimes causing a burn. Fortunately, our body has an impressive system to deal with the damage, but this ability decreases as we age. Chavez’s research is in the relatively new field of proteomics, the study of protein structure and function. He is looking at oxidative damage that occurs in aged animal heart tissues as compared to young heart tissue. Specifically, Chavez studies the mitochondria of heart cells, the part of the cell that uses oxygen to create energy and thus an area with high potential to have oxidative damage. Oxidative damage in the mitochondria creates other reactive compounds that can create further damage by reaction with other proteins and DNA inside the cells. To discover exactly how old and young heart tissues differ, Chavez uses analytical instruments called mass spectrometers that can detect very small changes in protein mass. These changes in mass may indicate that the protein has been altered in some way, possibly due to oxidative damage. Identifying specific sites of damage in mitochondria will enable researchers to better understand how these proteins function and possibly identify potential therapeutic strategies to minimize oxidative damage or reduce its effect. Chavez came to Oregon State University to study analytical chemistry and was particularly attracted by the Mass Spectrometry Facility at EHSC. He says that he has greatly benefited from the depth of experience and expertise of the facility staff. He also enjoys interacting with the variety of researchers who also use the Mass Spectrometry Facility and the collaborative and inspirational nature of being in such an environment. |
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