In this episode of The Genetics Podcast, host Patrick Short sits down with Marco Quarta, Co-founder and CEO of Rubedo Life Sciences, to discuss the biology of aging and the innovative work his company is doing to address age-related diseases. They discuss cellular senescence (a biological process where cells stop dividing but remain alive), the challenges of understanding aging at the molecular level, and Rubedo’s unique approach to developing therapeutics targeting aging cells.
Marco’s journey into aging research
Marco shares his early fascination with the aging process, which began during his PhD and led him to an academic career studying cellular senescence at Stanford University. This curiosity eventually inspired him to transition into biotech, where he could translate his research into real-world solutions. Rubedo Life Sciences, the company Marco co-founded, focuses on discovering therapies that target senescent cells, which are believed to contribute to age-related diseases like fibrosis and inflammation.
He reflects on the shift from theoretical research to creating tangible products, highlighting how his academic background laid the foundation for his work in cellular aging, but building a biotech company offered him the chance to make a direct impact on human health.
Cellular senescence: A complex contributor to aging
Marco explains that aging is a multifaceted biological process, and recent advancements have helped scientists recognize that different tissues and cells age at different rates. He discusses how the old model of "Hallmarks of Aging" has evolved, with researchers now understanding that cellular senescence plays a key role in the aging process.
Rubedo Life Sciences is targeting these senescent cells with new therapies. Marco describes the company's use of advanced technologies like single-cell genomics to better understand how aging manifests differently across various tissues. This approach allows them to pinpoint and treat specific types of senescent cells that contribute to diseases, such as chronic inflammatory skin conditions and lung disease.
The conversation also touches on how Rubedo is strategically focusing on certain diseases first—like chronic skin conditions—because they offer faster validation of their therapeutic targets. As the company grows, Marco envisions expanding their treatments to other age-related diseases by collaborating with partners and exploring different therapeutic modalities.
Summary
This episode provides a close look at the science behind cellular aging and how Rubedo Life Sciences is developing therapies to address the root causes of age-related diseases. Marco Quarta offers insight into the complexities of aging biology and the exciting potential for novel treatments targeting senescent cells.
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