Johan Auwerx

At a glance

• Johan Auwerx is a Belgian biologist and physician, and a professor at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland.
• His research on cellular metabolism has helped explain how signalling pathways regulate the function of mitochondria, the cell’s power plants.
• His lab showed that raising NAD+, for example with nicotinamide riboside, improved the function of mitochondria and muscle stem cells in mice.
• He is also known for research on urolithin A, a compound gut bacteria make from polyphenols found in foods such as pomegranate. In worms and rodents it stimulated the clearance of worn-out mitochondria (mitophagy).
• He co-founded Amazentis, which developed urolithin A as a supplement; small human studies showed effects on muscle endurance.
• For longevity, his work matters because mitochondrial quality is considered an important hallmark of ageing.
• Takeaway: supplements for mitochondria still have limited evidence; regular exercise remains the best-supported way to keep your mitochondria fit.