Special Interview with Dr. Zachary S. Clayton
On April 9, 2025, the Editorial Office of The Journal of Cardiovascular Aging (JCA) conducted an interview with Dr. Zachary S. Clayton, a cardiovascular aging researcher and member of the JCA Youth Editorial Board. Dr. Clayton's work focuses on vascular aging, cardio-oncology, and the biological mechanisms of cardiovascular disease, driven by his interest in how individuals age differently and the global impact of cardiovascular disease. His postdoctoral training with Dr. Douglas Seals and involvement in aging-focused projects shaped his research trajectory, bridging obesity, insulin resistance, vascular aging, and cellular senescence. A major focus of his research is cardio-oncology, studying the cardiovascular effects of chemotherapeutics such as doxorubicin and translating findings from preclinical models to clinical studies in adult cancer survivors.
Dr. Clayton also highlighted the importance of personalized medicine, recognizing exercise as an effective intervention while noting barriers related to accessibility and socioeconomic disparities, and emphasizing the potential of AI and machine learning to tailor cardiovascular health strategies. He envisions JCA as a platform to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, exploring cardiovascular aging across chronic diseases including kidney disease, heart failure, and cancer. This interview provides valuable insights into Dr. Clayton's translational and integrative approach, advancing both mechanistic understanding and clinical applications in cardiovascular aging.
Watch the following video for expert insights from Dr. Zachary S. Clayton:
Interview Questions:
1. I noticed that your.Linkedln signature mentions your passion for improving the health of older adults: Could you share what inspired this passion and how your academic journey has shaped your research.focus?
2. You've had a rich experience (e,g., with Dr. Seals),what pivotal moments have influenced your career path in cardiovascular research?
3. Your research covers multiple areas, including vascular aging and cardio-oncology. How do you see these fields interesting, and what challenges or opportunities do they present?
4. In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges in cardiometabolic health and obesity management today?
5. As a Youth Editorial Board Member, what do you see as key opportunities for The Journal of Cardiovascular Aging to expand its impact in the field?
About Dr. Zachary S. Clayton:
Dr. Zachary S. Clayton is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Integrative Physiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA. His research focuses on cardiovascular aging, particularly the role of cellular senescence in vascular dysfunction and the impact of cancer therapies on cardiovascular health. Dr. Clayton's work has led to the identification of senolytic treatments that ameliorate age-related arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction. He has received NIH funding, including a K99/R00 grant, to investigate the mechanisms by which chemotherapy-induced cellular senescence contributes to arterial dysfunction. Dr. Clayton has authored over 70 peer-reviewed articles and serves on the Youth Editorial Board of The Journal of Cardiovascular Aging. His research contributes to understanding the intersection of aging, cardiovascular health, and cancer therapies.
Editor: Celia Li
Language Editor: Catherine Yang
Production Editor: Ting Xu
Respectfully Submitted by the Editorial Office of The Journal of Cardiovascular Aging
