Facility to assess healthspan in mice
Our facility assesses healthspan in mice in models of age and age-related disorders for mechanistic studies and preclinical testing of candidate geroprotectors (a class of drugs that target mechanisms of ageing common to multiple diseases).
Our protocol has been devised following standardization with laboratory experts in healthspan assessment worldwide.
By testing the healthspan of mice comprehensively, and for effects on multiple organ systems instead of focusing on specific single disease/organs, we can better identify and rapidly analyse pre-clinical interventions for multimorbidity and frailty.
We offer a comprehensive set of techniques that assess:
- cardiac function (echocardiography)
- muscle strength and neuromuscular function (grip strength, hanging bar, and rotarod), metabolic health (GTT and ITT, body composition, and energy balance)
- cognitive function (novel object recognition)
The protocols can be repeated longitudinally during the lifespan of a mouse, or during the course of the treatment of aged mice with geroprotective agents.
To find out more, please contact Professor Ilaria Bellantuono:
