The Center for Translational Research in Aging and Longevity (CTRAL) at Texas A&M University (TAMU) is engaged in ongoing translational clinical research on nutrition, activity, and metabolism in relation to aging and the common diseases of our aging population. These diseases include cancer, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and mild cognitive impairment/dementia. In addition, CTRAL is studying how to increase the lifespan of older adults and if impact of aging can be counteracted by certain nutrition strategies and activity programs as one ages. Translation of knowledge from basic and applied sciences to care and clinical practice for older adults is the overall goal of our group.

We perform clinical research and study the role of changes in metabolism in relation to healthy aging. Our goal is to increase knowledge on how changes in nutrition can affect outcomes in disease and aging. The focus is on investigating the role of certain macronutrients, the small molecules that make up the building blocks of proteins, fats, and sugars in metabolism.

Clinical Research at CTRAL is supervised by Nicolaas Deutz, MD, PhD and Marielle Engelen, PhD, both tenured Professors at Texas A&M University with experience in performing Human Clinical Research.