Research Focus
Dr. Ross’ research focuses on the development of the marmoset as a model for human health and disease. In characterizing aging in the marmoset, Dr. Ross is evaluating potential interventional treatments to increase health span in geriatric populations. Her research encompasses marmoset health in the following areas:
- Aging
- Obesity
- Early Development
- Reproduction
Inside the Lab
Dr. Ross’ laboratory team is developing new phenotypic tools to assess marmoset health and behavior as a biomedical model of human disease. The team integrates behavioral, physiological and molecular markers to explore mechanisms that influence developmental programming, reproduction, obesity, health span and longevity in nonhuman primates.
The development of the marmoset as a translational model for health span and lifespan studies relies on the characterization of health parameters in young and geriatric marmosets. Dr. Ross has completed cross-sectional studies to examine health phenotypes in marmosets for five domains of interest for human health and aging:
- Mobility
- Cognition
- Metabolism
- Homeostasis
- Immune function
Overall, these studies provide a characterization of health parameters for young and geriatric marmosets which will greatly enhance future aging and interventional testing in this animal model.
Dr. Ross is also developing new techniques to increase longevity in the marmoset. Improved health and longevity of marmosets is important for future studies of aging processes in nonhuman primate models for the purpose of improving human health.
Main Technologies and Methods Used:
- Behavioral observation
- Cognitive testing
- Ambulatory testing
- Microbiome testing
- Physiology: blood pressure, ultrasound, respirometry, metabolism