Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and Healthy Aging
The importance of mitochondria in essential biological functions cannot be understated. The Molina Lab focuses on understanding how mitochondrial function is related to aging and the development of age-related diseases.
Blood-Based Biomarkers of Aging
Reliable biomarkers of human biological aging have not yet been established. We are proposing that bioenergetic profiles of blood cells are related to multiple age-related diseases and disorders. Further, we are investigating blood-borne circulating factor(s) that may be responsible for mediating changes in systemic bioenergetic capacity.
Bioenergetics and Cognitive Decline
There is increasing evidence suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and dementia. We are interested in identifying multi-parameter bioenergetic signatures that are associated with presymptomatic stages of AD and are predictive of AD progression.
Aging and Physical Function
A central goal of our research is to understand the mechanisms underlying the decline of physical function with aging and age-related conditions, such as heart failure and obesity. We are investigating the relationship between bioenergetic decline due to alterations in mitochondrial quality control and age-related exercise intolerance.
Dynamic Resilience Initiative
Development and Real World Validation of Blood-Based, Multi-Omic, Universal Signatures of Resilience
Recent Publications
1. Heimler SR, Amick KA, Bergstrom J, Moliné M, Mahapatra G, Craft S, Molina AJ. Nervonic acid and 15-epi-PGA1 mediate systemic mitochondrial dysfunction in AD dementia. Geroscience. 2025 Jul 11. doi: 10.1007/s11357-025-01776-6. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40640460.
2.Phang HJ, Bergstrom J, Atayee RS, Hart LA, Cawthon PM, Blackwell T, Kramer PA, Distefano G, Kershaw EE, Cummings SR, Molina AJ. Mito-Modulatory Medication Use and Skeletal Muscle Bioenergetics Among Older Men and Women: The Study of Muscle, Mobility, and Aging. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2025 May 5;80(6):glaf063. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glaf063. PMID: 40127000; PMCID: PMC12128851.