Research

Research in Dr. Schafer's Brain and Systemic Aging Lab is designed to uncover mechanisms and interventions that support healthy aging across the body and brain. Our work spans a series of interconnected projects that together illuminate how aging reshapes cell identities, tissue composition, systemic communication, and brain health and function. These projects include analysis of preclinical models and humans and integrate advanced cellular, molecular and behavioral approaches.

Together, the projects described below form a cohesive and translational road map for understanding and modifying the biology of aging. By uncovering how cellular states, circulating factors and systemic interactions influence cognitive and physiological decline, we aim to develop actionable strategies that support healthy, long lives.

Spatial mapping of age-altered cell states in vulnerable brain regions

We are developing and applying cutting-edge spatial transcriptomic and proteomic tools, alongside rigorous gold-standard approaches, to understand how aging transforms cellular identities and their influences in specific brain niches. This includes identifying senescent and inflammatory cells, tracking their interactions with neighboring cells, and understanding how these age-altered cell states affect cognition. Discoveries from this project guide our efforts to pinpoint where and how distinct therapeutic interventions could be most effective.

Circulating signals of aging: Identifying bloodborne drivers and biomarkers

Our team investigates how aging tissues release molecules such as the senescence-associated protein-soluble IL-23R into circulation and how these molecules change the function of distant organs such as the brain. We study both progeronic and rejuvenative factors to understand how blood communicates aging status throughout the body. These discoveries are powering the development of circulating biomarkers and informing systemic intervention strategies.

Sex-specific trajectories in brain and systemic aging

Aging does not occur the same way in everyone. We examine how people of different sexes differ in their brain cell composition, systemic aging profiles and vulnerability to cognitive decline. By integrating sex as a biological variable, our team aims to uncover the distinct molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie these differences and to support development of aging therapeutics.

Developing therapeutics and interventions to promote healthy brain and systemic aging

We are advancing a range of therapeutic strategies to target the deleterious influences of aged cell states. These strategies include senolytic drugs, anti-inflammatory agents, and lifestyle interventions such as diet and exercise. We use preclinical models and human biospecimens to assess how these treatments influence molecular, cellular and cognitive aging signatures across brain and peripheral tissues. This work aims to identify and validate interventions that preserve function, reduce vulnerability and extend health span across brain and body systems.