AbadirLabJOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
The Abadir Lab /

OUR RESEARCH

Aging science,
across every scale.

A connected research program spanning cellular mechanisms, biological reserve, functional measurement, and technology development.

RESEARCH AREA 01

Mitochondria & angiotensin biology

How cellular signaling shapes aging.

We investigate how angiotensin signaling, mitochondrial function, and inflammation contribute to age-related changes in tissue function. The discovery of a functional mitochondrial angiotensin system provides a foundation for this work.

Mitochondrial signaling · Cellular energetics · Vascular aging

Explore the science
Transmission electron micrograph with its original scale bar and annotations
Original research imagery and photographs from the lab’s collection.

RESEARCH AREA 02

Molecular frailty & resilience

Understanding why vulnerability differs.

Frailty has many biological pathways. We study cell-free DNA, inflammatory signals, metabolism, and epigenetic markers alongside physical and cognitive function to investigate differences between people and identify candidate biomarkers.

Cell-free DNA · Molecular heterogeneity · Biological reserve

Explore the science
Illustration connecting molecular pathways, physiological systems, stressors, and resilience
Original research imagery and photographs from the lab’s collection.

RESEARCH AREA 03

Inflammation & metabolism

Connecting immune signals with function.

Our research examines the kynurenine pathway, NAD biology, and metabolic changes associated with frailty. Laboratory models and human studies help us investigate how these pathways relate to energy, activity, and physical decline.

Kynurenines · NAD metabolism · Inflammatory pathways

Explore the science
Fluorescence micrograph with green and blue signal and the original 100 micrometer scale bar
Original research imagery and photographs from the lab’s collection.

RESEARCH AREA 04

Therapeutics & tissue repair

Bringing molecular discoveries into experimental treatments.

We explore mitochondria-targeted delivery, angiotensin receptor blockers, nanofilaments, and hydrogel systems for tissue repair. Our tissue-repair and delivery studies use cell and animal models. Related early clinical work investigates physical function in prefrail adults.

Targeted delivery · Biomaterials · Wound healing

Explore the science
Scientific illustration of mitochondrial targeting and losartan release, credited to David Rini, copyright2021 JHU
Original research imagery and photographs from the lab’s collection.

RESEARCH AREA 05

AI & digital biomarkers

Measuring function in new ways.

Speech, gait, handwriting, and eye movements can carry information about physical and cognitive function. We develop and evaluate approaches that combine these signals with molecular measurements, alongside research on bias and evaluation in medical AI.

Motion capture · Multimodal signals · Responsible AI

Explore the science
Treadmill walking and multiview motion-capture display
Original research imagery and photographs from the lab’s collection.

RESEARCH AREA 06

Engineering & clinical translation

Designing around the lives of older adults.

Through Geriatrics Engineering, the AITC, and GeroTech, we connect clinicians, engineers, researchers, older adults, and caregivers. These collaborations support prototyping, evaluation, and the practical work of translating research into useful technologies.

Prototyping · Clinical evaluation · Aging in place

Explore the science
Four people together at a Geriatrics Engineering gathering
Original research imagery and photographs from the lab’s collection.

OUR APPROACH

Evidence at
each step.

Mechanisms generate questions. Clinical studies test their relevance. Engineering opens new ways to measure and intervene.

We distinguish laboratory findings, candidate biomarkers, early clinical studies, and validated applications. Our goal is to build the evidence needed for meaningful translation.

Read selected publications