Yoo Kim

Aging is a natural process through which we gradually lose the ability to maintain homeostasis due to dysfunction. Fortunately, both increased physical activity and dietary restriction have been shown to delay aging and other age-associated diseases. Aside from restricting total energy intake, little is known about additional dietary interventions may delay aging. We employ a multi-disciplinary approach to examine potential molecular targets of aging and introduce the notion of 'senolytic' effects, drugs, nutrients or small molecules that prevent, delay or even reverse aging-related diseases.

In addition to aging, we study interactions among nutrients, metabolism and genes that impact maintenance of glucose homeostasis to reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes and other age-related diseases. We continue to identify food bioactive compounds that regulate the insulin signaling pathway and enhance insulin clearance in an animal model of diet-induced obesity. We also continue to examine other candidate molecules from food bioactives that regulate the cannabinoid 1 receptor – a receptor involved in obesity and other age-related diseases.