Mokpo National University and France Join Forces to Tackle Aging at Sea... Full-Scale Marine Anti-Aging Research Begins

French Researchers Present Mechanisms Accelerating Vascular Aging
Marine Organisms Adapted to Extreme Environments: A 'Treasure Trove' of Anti-Aging Materials

Mokpo National University held an international seminar to strengthen research capabilities in anti-aging based on marine biological resources.

The Mokpo National University Eco-friendly Aging Control Convergence Research Institute announced on the 13th that it had held the "2025 Glocal Marine Specialization International Seminar" at the College of Pharmacy Auditorium on the 8th.

The Mokpo National University Eco-friendly Aging Control Convergence Research Institute held the "2025 Glocal Marine Specialization International Seminar" at the College of Pharmacy Auditorium. Photo by Mokpo National University

As part of the Ministry of Education's Glocal University Project, the seminar was attended by more than 40 researchers and students from Korea and abroad, who discussed strategies for responding to changes in the marine environment and for strengthening the foundation of convergence research in anti-aging.

Researchers from the University of Strasbourg in France presented the pathophysiological mechanism by which metabolic inflammation accelerates vascular aging through endothelial dysfunction. In particular, molecular pathways related to vascular aging and cardiovascular remodeling were addressed in depth, including the SGLT regulatory mechanism, the GLP-1 receptor action mechanism, and the pro-oxidant pathway of the AT1R-NADPH oxidase axis.

The institute explained that these mechanisms could lead to future verification of the action mechanisms of marine-derived anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances, as well as the identification of target candidates, which drew significant interest from participants.

The Eco-friendly Aging Control Convergence Research Institute is currently exploring anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging functions in marine natural products, sulfated polysaccharides derived from seaweed, and marine-derived peptides.

Marine organisms that have adapted to special environments such as high salinity, low temperatures and high pressure, and strong ultraviolet radiation are considered promising resources for research on cardiovascular aging and the regulation of metabolic inflammation, as they are likely to produce physiologically active substances different from those of terrestrial organisms.

Ok Minho, Director of the Eco-friendly Aging Control Convergence Research Institute, said, "Based on the target mechanisms presented at this seminar, we plan to experimentally verify the potential of marine-based anti-aging materials and expand related research."

He added, "We will concretize a multi-layered cooperation system, including preparing a joint research proposal between Mokpo National University and the University of Strasbourg, discovering joint papers and projects, and promoting inter-institutional memorandums of understanding (MOUs). We will enhance the competitiveness of international joint research and link it to strengthening the regional marine bioindustry and national research capabilities."