Research Seminar: “Mitochondrial-Derived Peptides – Implications for Lifespan Health”

Speaker: Pinchas Cohen, MD, Dean, USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California

Talk Summary: Mitochondrial-Derived Peptides (MDPs) are a class of novel peptides encoded within the mtDNA that serve as signals related to cell and organismal protection and energy expenditure. We identified multiple peptides encoded from the 16S and 12S regions that have potent physiological activities on metabolism and protection from insults and diseases. Plasma MDPs are reduced in older rodents and humans, and their levels correlate with endothelial function and the GH-IGF status. MDPs are expressed in an ethno-specific fashion and may contribute to health disparities in a manner related to mtDNA SNPs. MDP analogues are in clinical development for metabolic diseases.

Hosted by Bradley Peterson, MD, Director, Institute for the Developing Mind, Interim Director, The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

RSVP to tecpad@chla.usc.edu