Muhammad Asghar

Liver innervation goes viral: Embryonic liver nanoinjection to investigate neuro-biliary development

This research project examines the extent to which infectious diseases affect cellular ageing in humans. It also investigates whether recurrent and/or chronic asymptomatic infections have a long-term, hidden cost in terms of cellular ageing, with a particular focus on the immune system.

Our genetic material consists of DNA, which is packaged into chromosomes in every cell in our body. When cells divide, the genetic material is copied, but with each cell division the ends of the DNA strands become shorter. These ends, known as telomeres, gradually shorten as we age. We do not yet know whether repeated or chronic infections affect cellular ageing in humans.

To determine whether infection has a direct effect on cellular ageing, blood samples from an experimental study will be analysed. To investigate the effects of repeated or persistent asymptomatic malaria infections on cellular ageing, the researchers will study 3,000 blood samples from 1,200 individuals in a unique cohort in Tanzania. If this epidemiological study demonstrates an association, the findings could contribute to further research aimed at eliminating malaria.

Finally, an in-depth cellular analysis will be carried out to investigate how different infectious diseases affect cellular ageing. This knowledge is important for developing strategies that could help prevent the negative effects of infectious diseases on the ageing process.