UE43 Physiology of aging

CONTENU

• “Brain in Time: Physiology of the Ageing Nervous System”, Paula Pousinha (PR, IPMC) 2h

  How does the brain change with age? This course will show the physiological transformations that shape the ageing central nervous system. The cellular and molecular shifts that influence neuronal activity, synaptic plasticity, glial function, neurogenesis, and brain-wide connectivity will be presented. We will pay particular attention to regions critically involved in cognition and behaviour—such as the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and basal ganglia—which are especially vulnerable to age-related decline.

• “Adipose tissue ageing and its impact on metabolic health”, Nathalie Boulet (MCU, C3M), 2h

  This course explores the physiological ageing of adipose tissue, focusing on changes in fat depot composition, distribution, and function. It addresses the metabolic consequences of these alterations in the context of systemic homeostasis and age-related diseases.

• “Ageing across the tree of life”, Michèle Teboul (PR, iBV), 2h

  This course explores the biological diversity of ageing across species, examining cellular mechanisms, evolutionary theories, and unique longevity strategies in nature.

• “Ageing of the digestive system: functional alterations and gut microbiota”, Jean-Paul Motta (CR, IRSD, Toulouse), 2h

  This lecture will address the effects of ageing on the digestive system, highlighting the main associated functional alterations. A particular focus will be placed on the gut microbiota, through an in-depth presentation of the state of the art in its taxonomic, metabolic, and phenotypic dimensions. This latter aspect will be illustrated by recent work from our laboratory conducted on the Toulouse-based INSPIRE cohort (IHU HealthAge), aimed at characterizing the microbiota of elderly individuals exhibiting contrasting ageing trajectories (robust vs. pre-frail).

• “The circadian clock in health, disease and ageing”, Franck Delaunay (PR, iBV), 2h

  The circadian clock controls the temporal organization of most physiological processes during the day/night cycle. Its disruption, observed in chronic jet lag, shift work, exposure to nighttime light, or ageing, has negative effects on health. This course will explain how the circadian clock functions at the molecular, cellular, and physiological levels. It will then present various evidence linking the circadian clock to pathology, ageing, and longevity.

• “The ageing lung: molecular mechanisms and impact on respiratory diseases”, Bernard Mari (DR, IPMC), 2h

  The ageing lung undergoes several molecular and cellular changes that significantly impact its physiology and predispose it to various chronic diseases. We will examine the main molecular pathways involved in lung ageing, such as oxidative stress, telomere attrition, genomic instability, epigenetic modifications or loss of proteostasis. These processes contribute to senescence and increase the risk of chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We will show how we can study these complex mechanisms at the single cell level and thus provide avenues for improving the response of different cell types to chronic stress.

• “Excretory System and Renal Ageing”, Marc Cougnon (MCU, LP2M), 2h

  This course covers the key functions of the excretory system, focusing on the kidney’s role. It highlights the structural and functional changes that occur with ageing, leading to decreased kidney performance. Clinical implications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and drug toxicity are discussed, along with strategies to preserve renal health in the elderly.

• “Age-related neuromuscular changes and benefits of physical activity”, Lyne Daumas (PhD, LAMHESS), 2h

  This course will explore age-related neuromuscular changes and their functional consequences, as well as the beneficial effects of physical activity, with a focus on identifying the most suitable types of exercise.

• “Dynamics of osteoclasts in growth and ageing”, Claudine Blin (DR, LP2M) & Maria Materozzi (PhD, LP2M), 2h
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• “Skin Regenerative Potential Through Ageing: Adult Stem Cell Dynamics and Extracellular Matrix Remodelling”Chloé Feral (DR, IRCAN), 2h

  The declining regenerative capacity of skin during ageing will be addressed, focusing on adult stem cell functionality, extracellular matrix composition changes and evolution of tissue functions. How age-related alterations in stem cell niches and matrix degradation collectively impact tissue homeostasis and wound healing will be presented, offering insights into tissue regeneration showing the impact of dermis/epidermis/hypodermis interconnected pathways.

• Student project (with P. Pousinha & N. Boulet), 12h

  Students will write a concise review article on the ageing of a chosen physiological system. This work will be developed progressively throughout the semester during tutorial sessions. Each review will subsequently be presented orally to the class.