Andrzej Bartke Lab

Overview

Our work is directed at identifying mechanisms that impact the biological process of aging and the length of life. Our long-term goal is to discover practical means of extending the “healthspan,” a part of life free of disease and disability, and promoting longevity. We are particularly interested in elucidating the relationships of growth and maturation to adult health and life expectancy. We and others have already shown that reducing the actions of growth hormone (GH), a key regulator of growth and maturation, produces remarkable extension of longevity in laboratory mice and promotes healthy aging in these animals. In contrast, enhancement of GH signaling promotes age-related pathological changes and shortens lifespan. Available evidence indicates that many of the relationships between GH signaling, age-related disease, and aging discovered in mice apply also to the control of human aging.

We have also obtained evidence that the actions of GH during the period of rapid growth and sexual maturation are particularly important for determination of adult health and longevity. On the basis of these findings, we hypothesize that dietary, hormonal, or pharmacological interventions during the periods of childhood and adolescence can promote slower aging, reduce risk of aging-related diseases, and also likely extending lifespan. We are currently testing this hypothesis.

Other studies in our laboratory are aimed at identifying mechanisms linking GH signaling and aging. This work involves studies of the expression of genes related to carbohydrate, lipid, and energy metabolism and to inflammation, testing responses of the animals to insulin and glucose, indirect calorimetry, measurements of blood pressure, and assessment of neuromuscular function.

Andrzej Bartke, PhD Primary Investigator

Professor, Director, Geriatrics Research, Internal Medicine

217-545-7962

abartke@siumed.edu

View profile

Research Focus

Based on the evidence that early life events can impact adult health and aging, we are studying the effects of exposing juvenile mice to brief periods of altered amounts or composition of the diet or to drugs affecting growth. For these studies we are using the type of interventions that could be recommended for human use as practical, acceptable, and safe (mild reduction of caloric intake or dietary protein or a drug already approved for human use).

In view of the evidence that GH signaling has a role in the regulation of blood pressure, an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, we are examining the interactive effects of GH deficiency, GH resistance, and GH excess with dietary sodium intake. In these studies, we are examining the impact of low and high sodium diet on blood pressure and variety of aging-related traits in mice with genetic alteration of GH signaling.

Other work in the Bartke Lab includes studying the production of Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs) under conditions of both GH-excess and GH-deficiency/resistance and testing an AGEs lowering compound in conjunction with the Kapahi lab at the Buck Institute on Aging.

We are also testing compounds that may slow growth and delay aging in conjunction with collaborator, Dr. Michael Zasloff.

Additionally, the NIA’s Interventions Testing Program has accepted a proposal for 2026 originating from the Bartke lab for berberine. Pilot studies are currently underway.