Calico

A Sr. Scientist in the Hahn Lab, @Claire_gizowski studies how the brain’s resident immune cells, microglia, are influenced by their local environment, so we can better understand and support healthy brain aging. We asked why she chose to join Calico. calicolabs.com/life-at-calico

Image: Oligodendrocytes (shown in culture) are specialized brain cells that produce myelin, a fatty, insulating sheath that encases axons. They're the primary cell type implicated in PMD, where mutations in the proteolipid protein 1 (PLP1) lead to their dysfunction & death. (5/5)

Changing its activity may help rebalance the stress response, a mechanism relevant not only to PMD but also to other rare white matter disorders. Read study: nature.com/articles/s4146… Learn about our work on the ISR & Vanishing White Matter disease: calicolabs.com/clinical-trial… (4/5)

In Nature Comms: Our scientists & collaborators at the Popko Lab (Northwestern Univ.) & Chen Lab (Loyola Univ. Chicago) found that inhibiting the Integrated Stress Response extended lifespan in a mouse model of a rare childhood leukodystrophy, Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease. (1/5)

As a Staff Software Engineer, Danny Park designs software and computing tools that make complex data more usable so our scientists can perform research more effectively and answer new questions about aging biology. We asked what brought him to Calico. calicolabs.com/life-at-calico/

Learn more in this video, and access trial information here: anchoradpkd.com #NationalKidneyMonth (5/5)

During National Kidney Month, we’re sharing how our research continues to deepen the understanding of how ADPKD progresses and the biology behind it. We are translating these insights into a global Phase 2 clinical study in adults with ADPKD. (4/5)

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, or ADPKD, is the most common inherited form of kidney disease worldwide. (1/5)

We wouldn’t be where we are without our team. We’re honored to work with some of the most dedicated, curious and creative colleagues who share our commitment to understand aging and improve healthspan. Here’s to another year of advancing science! #EmployeeAppreciationDay

Our 4th annual Hack Week brought together colleagues to think creatively and explore new ways of working with data. Prior Hack Week projects have helped inform new computational science direction for Calico, and we look forward to seeing where these new ideas lead!

Astrid will present more about this work during her keynote speech at the upcoming Biology of Acute Respiratory Infection Gordon Research Conference. #AgingResearch (5/5)

By targeting these immune cell interactions, we’re working to enhance lung repair and restore function, with the goal of translating those findings into potential interventions for age-related lung diseases. (4/5)

As the lung ages, its capacity for self-repair diminishes. Our scientists are working to understand this process. Using tissue clearing and light sheet microscopy, Agnieszka (Anya) Wendorff in the Gillich Lab and Kayley Hake visualized a whole aging mouse lung in 3D. (1/5)

Congrats to Calico CSO, Michael Lenardo, M.D., for being named a 2026 Distinguished Fellow of the American Association of Immunologists (AAI)! The designation recognizes a career of contributions to immunology, scientific leadership, and long-term service to the field.