Investigating the metabolic effects of Ras inhibition during ageing

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Metabolic dysfunction has been identified as a key hallmark of ageing. Our preliminary data suggests that Ras signalling - an established ageing regulator - may also play an important role in lipid metabolism. In this project, we will use Drosophila as a simple model to investigate this link between Ras activity, lipid metabolism and ageing. We will define how lipid metabolism changes during normal ageing and in response to Ras inhibition. This information will be used to identify metabolic pathways that could be mediating the healthy ageing effects of Ras inhibition. We will test whether the beneficial changes in ageing that we observe when we reduce Ras activity are directly related to changes in the activity of these metabolic pathways using genetic tools to manipulate their activity. Collectively, these studies will help us to better understand the complex relationship between metabolic dysfunction and ageing. This knowledge will enable us to identify new drug targets or dietary interventions to improve age-related health ultimately leading to new treatments to promote human health and well-being across the life-course.