Study Of Mitochondrial Transfer Into Thermogenic Tissues During Aging

Italian Ministry Of Education, University And Research; Italia; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata - Dipartimento di Biologia seeks a researcher to explore aging-related changes in thermogenic adipose tissue and mitochondrial function. The project investigates how damaged mitochondria are cleared by macrophages and how M2 macrophages may transfer healthy mitochondria to adipocytes to support bioenergetics.

The aim is to understand how aging disrupts this cycle and accelerates metabolic decline, contributing to age-related diseases such as insulin

Qualifications

• Aging affects thermogenic adipose tissue function and metabolism.
• Mitochondrial quality declines with age, contributing to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
• Stressed adipocytes release damaged mitochondria cleared by macrophages.
• M2 macrophages can transfer healthy mitochondria to adipocytes.

Job description

Organisation/Company Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata - Dipartimento di Biologia Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Leading Researcher (R4) First Stage Researcher (R1) Established Researcher (R3) Application Deadline 31 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country Italy Type of Contract To be defined Job Status Not Applicable Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Aging undermines the body's ability to adapt, particularly the function of thermogenic adipose tissue (t-AT), which is essential for metabolism. As we age, the quality of mitochondria declines, leading to metabolic disorders like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes When adipocytes are stressed, they release damaged mitochondria that are quickly cleared by macrophages. These
immune cells transform into "M2" macrophages, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Recent discoveries
indicate that M2 macrophages can transfer their healthy mitochondria to adipocytes, providing bioenergetic support.
The hypothesis is that with aging, this virtuous cycle is disrupted, accelerating metabolic decline and aggravating
age-related diseases

• Italy

Eligibility of fellows: country/ies of residence:

• OTHER

Eligibility of fellows: nationality/ies: