The gastrointestinal (GI) tract undergoes profound physiological and structural alterations during aging, contributing to a wide spectrum of age-related diseases, including constipation, malabsorption, increased intestinal permeability, and systemic inflammation. Complex interactions between cellular senescence, neuro-muscular dysfunction, mucosal barrier decline, and dysbiosis of the gut microbiome drive these changes.
Fig. 1 Age-related changes to the gastrointestinal tract. (Nigam Y and Knight J, 2008)
CD BioSciences offers a suite of preclinical analysis services to characterize aging-related changes throughout the GI tract. We help our clients evaluate age-related changes in the GI tract of animal models using molecular, histological, and functional assessments.
Analysis of Cellular Senescence in the Aging Gastrointestinal Tract
Cellular senescence is a central hallmark of the aging GI tract. At CD BioSciences, we provide comprehensive analysis services to characterize cellular senescence in the aging GI tract, focusing on key epithelial and stromal cell types, such as intestinal stem cells, enterocytes, Paneth cells, and subepithelial myofibroblasts. Our integrated analysis services enable the identification of senolytic targets and support the evaluation of therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating GI diseases.
We offer senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining to identify and localize senescent cells. Through quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, we assess the expression of senescence markers, including p16INK4a, p21CIP1, and γ-H2AX, across specific gastrointestinal cell types. Our experts help clients quantify SASP factors such as IL-6, TNF-α, and MMPs to reveal the pro-inflammatory signaling induced by senescent cells. Additionally, we perform single-cell transcriptomic analysis to generate high-resolution profiles of senescent cell populations and their heterogeneity.
Analysis of Age-Related Changes in the Gastrointestinal Tract in Animal Models
CD BioSciences offers animal models, particularly guinea pigs, rats, and mice, to simulate the aging GI tract, establishing preclinical platforms for mechanistic studies and anti-aging therapeutic evaluation.
Analysis of age-related changes in intestinal permeability
Aging impairs the intestinal epithelial barrier, leading to increased paracellular permeability, bacterial translocation, and systemic inflammation. Our company offers intestinal permeability evaluation services to assess barrier integrity in animal models. We offer FITC-dextran permeability assays to quantify paracellular leakage, as well as Ussing chamber studies to measure transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). We also assist clients in performing Western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses to evaluate the expression and localization of key tight junction proteins such as occludin, claudins, and ZO-1. In addition, we provide histological assessments of mucosal architecture, including goblet cell function and epithelial integrity. Our integrated services provide insights into age-related changes in intestinal permeability and support anti-aging therapeutic development.
Analysis of age-related changes in gut microbiome
The gut microbiota undergoes distinct compositional and functional shifts during aging. We offer high-throughput microbiome analysis services to uncover age-related changes in gut microbial composition and function. We conduct 16S rRNA gene sequencing for taxonomic profiling and apply shotgun metagenomics to evaluate microbial gene content and functional pathways associated with aging. Our metabolomics platforms enable detailed profiling of microbiota-derived metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids, and tryptophan metabolites. Through these integrated approaches, we support the development of microbiome-based therapeutics aimed at mitigating age-associated microbial dysbiosis and promoting gut health.
The GI tract is a dynamic organ system profoundly impacted by aging. CD BioSciences offers a full spectrum of preclinical services to support clients in analyzing age-related changes in the GI tract, ranging from cellular senescence characterization to functional tests and microbiome profiling. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us or make an online inquiry.
References
- Saffrey MJ. Aging of the mammalian gastrointestinal tract: a complex organ system. Age (Dordr), 2014, 36 (3): 9603.
- Nigam Y, Knight J. Exploring the anatomy and physiology of ageing. Part 3--The digestive system. Nurs Times, 2008, 104 (33): 22-3.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
