Mitochondrial health

Project leader: Prof Patrick Schrauwen
Time frame: 2016 – 2020
Project code: 16 NH01
Research theme: Nutrition and health
Project login (project members only)
Summary
The project will focus on evaluating novel food components on mitochondrial metabolism and its relation to muscle health. It is expected that basic science in in vitro muscle cell models can reveal novel food components that affect mitochondrial metabolism, and can unravel the underlying mechanisms. Using short-term human intervention studies, the translational aspect of the potential of such food components to boost mitochondrial function will be tested in the elderly population, with a focus on those with compromised physical function. Cross-sectional studies will be used to investigate the relationship between muscle mitochondrial function and muscle health in elderly, whereas we will use large cohort studies to investigate the relationship between habitual food consumption and markers of muscle health and physical function. Finally, we aim to identify novel biomarkers of mitochondrial function that can be applied in observational and intervention studies. It is anticipated that the project Mitochondrial Health will provide the industrial partners with novel insights in the potential of food components and specific nutrients to prevent, delay or improve aging associated decline and disturbances in muscle health and physical function, by targeting mitochondrial function.
Key objectives
- Examine the relationship between mitochondrial function and muscle health in elderly
- Explore the role of nutrition and food components in stimulating mitochondrial function in elderly with compromised physical function
- Investigate from cohort studies the relationship between nutrient intake/status and (markers of) muscle health
- To identify biomarkers of mitochondrial function
