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Home - Science - Scientist Directory - Van Remmen, Holly

Holly Van Remmen, Ph.D.

Member and Program Chair
Aging & Metabolism Research Program

G.T. Blankenship Chair in Aging Research

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My 101

In the year 1900, the average U.S. lifespan was 46 years for men and 48 years for women. In 2013, the average was 76 for men and 81 for women. Advances in medical science and human health have people living longer, but new challenges arise with an extended lifespan.

Research in my lab focuses on aging. One question we’re keen to answer is: Why do people lose muscle as they get older? It’s a normal part of aging, but it bears similarity to a disease called sarcopenia, in which the body loses skeletal muscle mass. Using a mouse model of sarcopenia, we’re looking specifically at the role of oxidative stress, or free radicals, in the long-term deterioration of muscle.  As part of this research, we are studying how mitochondria are affected by aging and might contribute to aging.  Mitochondria are present in all cells and are responsible for generating energy and controlling metabolism and also for producing the majority of oxidative stress as a by-product of their function.

Another disease in which oxidative stress affects muscles is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often called ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. In ALS, a group of cells called motor neurons is affected, reducing a patient’s ability to control their muscles. We also use a mouse model of ALS to study how the loss of an enzyme affects motor neurons.

Our goal is not to find a “fountain of youth,” but to address the declining quality of life as we age. It’s important that our “healthspan” matches our lifespan.

Research

My research program has focused on the role of oxidative stress and mitochondrial function in aging. We utilized a number of transgenic and knockout models with modified antioxidant defense systems to ask whether changes in antioxidant defense and oxidative stress modify lifespan as predicted by the long-standing Oxidative Stress Theory of Aging. In contrast to the predictions of this Theory, our studies have shown that modifying antioxidant defenses does not alter lifespan. These studies suggest that oxidative stress may not be a primary factor underlying aging per se. However, we propose the oxidative stress is indeed a critical factor in age-associated diseases such as sarcopenia and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Our recent work has focused on the role of mitochondria and oxidative stress on alterations in the motor neurons, the neuromuscular junction and skeletal muscle that might contribute to the significant problem of age-related loss of muscle mass and may have implications for onset and progression of ALS.  In another line of research, we are studying the role of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mtUPR) in aging and the potential for tissue cross-talk based on mitochondrial signaling that might influence changes in metabolism.  As part of these studies, we are interested in studying age related changes in components of the mtUPR such as heat shock proteins and mitochondrial proteases Lon and ClpP.

Brief CV

Education
B.S. Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL, 1983
Ph.D. University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 1991
Postdoc UTHSC, San Antonio, TX, with Arlan Richardson, Ph.D., 1991-1995

Honors and Awards
1988 - Proctor and Gamble Professional Opportunity Award, American Physiologic Society
1990 - Graduate Studies in Physiology Award for Excellence, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
1991 - Sacher Graduate Student Award, Biological Sciences, Gerontological Society of America
1992 - Geriatric Leadership Academic Award, Aging Research and Education Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
1994 - Geriatric Leadership Academic Award, Aging Research and Education Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
1995 - American Federation for Aging Research Award
2007 - Dielmann Distinguished Endowed Chair in Aging
2010 - Ellison Medical Foundation Senior Scholar

Memberships
1984-present - American Physiological Society
1997-present - Oxygen Society/Society for Free Radical Biology in Medicine
1999-2009 - San Antonio Cancer Institute
2000-present - American Aging Association, Member/Board Member

Joined OMRF’s Scientific Staff in 2013

Publications

View more publications

Recent Publications

Qaisar R, Pharaoh G, Bhaskaran S, Xu H, Ranjit R, Bian J, Ahn B, Georgescu C, Wren JD, Van Remmen H. Restoration of Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca2 ATPase (SERCA) Activity Prevents Age-Related Muscle Atrophy and Weakness in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 22, 2020 December, PMID: 33375170, PMCID: PMC7792969

Brown JL, Lawrence MM, Ahn B, Kneis P, Piekarz KM, Qaisar R, Ranjit R, Bian J, Pharaoh G, Brown C, Peelor FF 3rd, Kinter MT, Miller BF, Richardson A, Van Remmen H. Cancer cachexia in a mouse model of oxidative stress. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle, 2020 September, PMID: 32918528, PMCID: PMC7749559

Bhaskaran S, Pollock N, C Macpherson P, Ahn B, Piekarz KM, Staunton CA, Brown JL, Qaisar R, Vasilaki A, Richardson A, McArdle A, Jackson MJ, Brooks SV, Van Remmen H. Neuron-specific deletion of CuZnSOD leads to an advanced sarcopenic phenotype in older mice. Aging Cell:e13225, 2020 September, PMID: 32886862, PMCID: PMC7576239

Selected Publications

Masser DR, Clark NW, Van Remmen H, Freeman WM. Loss of the antioxidant enzyme CuZnSOD (Sod1) mimics an age-related increase in absolute mitochondrial DNA copy number in the skeletal muscle. Age (Dordr). 2016 Aug;38(4):323-33. PMID: 27444179  PMCID: PMC5061674

Alund AW, Mercer KE, Suva LJ, Pulliam CF, Chen JR, Badger TM, Van Remmen H, Ronis MJ. Reactive Oxygen Species Differentially Regulate Bone Turnover in an Age-Specific Manner in Catalase Transgenic Female Mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2016 Jul;358(1):50-60. PMID: 27189961 PMCID: PMC4931876

Pharaoh G, Pulliam D, Hill S, Sataranatarajan K, Van Remmen H. Ablation of the mitochondrial complex IV assembly protein Surf1 leads to increased expression of the UPR(MT) and increased resistance to oxidative stress in primary cultures of fibroblasts. Redox Biol. 2016 Aug;8:430-8. PMID: 27208630 PMCID: PMC4878459

Walsh ME, Bhattacharya A, Sataranatarajan K, Qaisar R, Sloane L, Rahman MM, Kinter M, Van Remmen H. The histone deacetylase inhibitor butyrate improves metabolism and reduces muscle atrophy during aging. Aging Cell. 2015 Dec;14(6):957-70. PMID: 26290460 PMCID: PMC4693467

Evans TM, Jaramillo CA, Sataranatarajan K, Watts L, Sabia M, Qi W, Van Remmen H. The effect of mild traumatic brain injury on peripheral nervous system pathology in wild-type mice and the G93A mutant mouse model of motor neuron disease. Neuroscience. 2015 Jul 9;298:410-23. PMID: 25921732 PMCID: PMC4470701

Evans TM, Van Remmen H, Purkar A, Mahesula S, Gelfond JA, Sabia M, Qi W, Lin AL, Jaramillo CA, Haskins WE. Microwave & Magnetic (M2) proteomics of a mouse model of mild traumatic brain injury. Transl Proteom. 2014 Jun 1;3:10-21. PMID: 26157646 PMCID: PMC4492171

 

Contact

Aging & Metabolism Research Program, MS 21
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
825 N.E. 13th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73104

Phone: (405) 271-2520
Fax: (405) 271-3470
E-mail: holly-vanremmen@omrf.org

Lab Staff

Bumsoo Ahn, Ph.D.
Research Assistant Member

Shylesh Bhaskaran, Ph.D.
Staff Scientist

Kavithalakshmi Satara Natarajan, Ph.D.
Staff Scientist

Jacob Brown, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow

Hongyang "Yang" Xu, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow

Ashley Murphy
Senior Laboratory Technician

Kaitlyn Riddle
Senior Research Technician

Aubrey Ellis
Research Technician

Dani Greenlee
Research Technician

Agnieszka Czyzowska
Research Assistant

Pavithra Premkumar
Research Assistant

Rojina Ranjit
Research Assistant

Shauna Hill
Graduate Student

Jeannie Evans
Project Coordinator II

Tracy Cardinal
Administrative Assistant III

News from the Van Remmen lab

Dr. Van Remmen in the Media

News from the Van Remmen lab

Geroscience research collaboration continues with $5.3 million grant
January 4, 2021

OU Health has been awarded a $5.3 million federal grant to continue a partnership with OMRF and the VA on research into the biology of aging and the role it plays in the onset of diseases like cancer and diabetes.

OMRF receives $2.2 million to study brain cells
August 25, 2020

The National Institutes of Health has awarded OMRF scientist Tommy Lewis $2.2 million to study the inner workings of brain cells.

Hardesty Family Foundation donates $1 million to OMRF
August 13, 2020

A new $1 million grant from the Hardesty Family Foundation will fund the expansion of OMRF’s Aging and Metabolism Research Program.

Tips on staying healthy in an unhealthy time
April 14, 2020

Isolation has become the new normal. But while we’re separated, there are important steps we can all take to maintain our psychological and physical health.

Masonic Charity Foundation donates $250,000 to OMRF
March 11, 2020

The funds are designated for research in OMRF’s Aging and Metabolism Research Program.

Acing Aging: Health tips for your golden years
January 29, 2020

You don’t have to be a scientist to get a leg up on the aging process.

OMRF holds first meeting of Nonagenarian Society
November 8, 2019

The Nonagenarian Society was created by longtime OMRF board member H.E. “Gene” Rainbolt.

OMRF researchers receive $1.3 million in VA funding for aging research
October 9, 2019

Holly Van Remmen and Tim Griffin received VA funding to focus on a pair of diseases prevalent in aging veterans.

New OMRF findings shed light on maintaining muscle as we age
March 11, 2019

Age-related muscle loss, called sarcopenia, happens to all of us as we age and is a major cause of disability and loss of independence in the elderly.

OMRF researcher tagged to lead international group
February 7, 2019

OMRF scientist Holly Van Remmen has been named president-elect of the Society for Redox Biology and Medicine.

OMRF scientist honored with national aging award
December 18, 2018

OMRF scientist Bumsoo Ahn, Ph.D., has been awarded an Irene Diamond Fund/AFAR Postdoctoral Transition Award in Aging.

OMRF discovers potential therapy for age-related muscle loss
December 4, 2018

An OMRF discovery could potentially open the door for the first drug option to treat age-related muscle weakness and atrophy.

Mary K. Chapman Foundation awards OMRF $600,000 for aging research
July 23, 2018

The grant will help OMRF recruit a pair of new scientists to its aging research program.

Golden years: OMRF gives tips on aging gracefully
May 1, 2018

Here are a few tips from aging experts for making your golden years truly golden.

OMRF postdoc receives national aging reward
February 8, 2018

OMRF scientist Rizwan Qaisar has been awarded an Irene Diamond Fund/AFAR Postdoctoral Transition Award in Aging.

OMRF researcher receives Alzheimer’s grant
November 7, 2017

An OMRF scientist has received a grant to investigate a potential link between Alzheimer’s and age-related muscle loss.

OMRF names new board member and VP
April 14, 2017

OMRF hosted its semiannual meeting on Thursday.

A case of the curiosities: Solving the mysteries of aging, one question at a time
February 14, 2017

OMRF’s Holly Van Remmen is well served by her inquisitiveness.

OMRF part of research team that receives $9 million aging grant
January 23, 2017

OMRF and three other institutions are jointly studying age-related muscle loss.

OMRF dedicates Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma Lab
January 11, 2017

Masonic representatives attended a luncheon and ceremony at the foundation.

OMRF thanks donors with Legacy of Hope Society luncheon
September 1, 2016

OMRF welcomed more than 40 donors, board members and advisors to the event.

OMRF scientist receives American Aging Association award
June 17, 2016

OMRF’s Holly Van Remmen has received the prestigious Denham Harman Award.

OMRF adds board member, honors scientists at spring meeting
April 14, 2016

OMRF hosted its annual spring board meeting on Wednesday.

Joint $3.8 million grant to create aging research center
October 13, 2015

OMRF, OU and VA collaborate to combat diseases associated with aging.

OMRF scientist shows potential ALS, traumatic brain injury link
August 11, 2015

Evidence shows TBI could worsen effects of Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

For OMRF researcher, ice bucket challenge a real splash
August 28, 2014

Awareness, says scientist, will help fuel search for treatments

Aging and muscle loss targets for new OMRF researcher
December 18, 2013

Dr. Van Remmen brings neuromuscular expertise to the foundation.

Dr. Van Remmen in the Media

VA boosts OMRF research with $1.3 million
MuskogeePhoenix.com

OMRF researchers get $1.3 million to study age-related diseases
Oklahoman.com

VA gives OMRF $1.3 million to study age-related diseases
Newspapers2day.com

OMRF receives $1.3 million in VA funding
JournalRecord.com

State briefs: July 30
Oklahoman.com

Presbyterian Health Foundation awards grants to OMRF, OUHSC
Oklahoman.com

Presbyterian Health Foundation awards $3.9 million in grants
JournalRecord.com

State briefs: OMRF scientists advance understanding of muscle mass loss
Oklahoman.com

OMRF findings reveal info on maintaining muscle
MuskogeePhoenix.com

OMRF findings shed light on maintaining muscle
JournalRecord.com

Briefcase: OMRF researcher tagged to lead international group
NewsOk.com

OMRF researcher to lead international group
JournalRecord.com

Tips for minimizing age-related muscle loss
KOCO.com

Major research being done with age-related muscle loss
KOCO.com

OMRF scientist presented with national aging award
JournalRecord.com

OMRF discovers potential therapy for age-related muscle loss
JournalRecord.com

Announcing 2018 Irene Diamond Fund/AFAR Postdoc Transition Awards in Aging
EurekAlert.com

OMRF receives $600,000 for aging research
JournalRecord.com

New grant helps Oklahoma scientists find better treatments for age-related disease
KFOR.com

Technology briefs: OMRF receives grant for aging research
NewsOk.com

Oklahoma health expert discusses aging and metabolism
KOCO.com

Tips on aging gracefully
NewsOk.com

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