Special Interview with Dr. Zachary S. Clayton, Youth Editorial Board Member of The Journal of Cardiovascular Aging
In March 2025, The Journal of Cardiovascular Aging (JCA) had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Zachary S. Clayton, a dedicated researcher in cardiovascular aging and a valued member of our Youth Editorial Board. Dr. Clayton's academic journey and research interests are deeply rooted in his passion for improving the health of older adults. His work spans multiple domains, including vascular aging, cardio-oncology, and the biological mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease.
During the interview, Dr. Clayton shared the inspiration behind his research focus, emphasizing his fascination with how individuals age at different rates. His postdoctoral training further solidified his commitment to studying cardiovascular aging, particularly given the profound global impact of cardiovascular disease - the leading cause of death worldwide. He highlighted the critical role of aging as a non-modifiable risk factor, making it a focal point for disease prevention and management.
Dr. Clayton reflected on pivotal moments in his career, particularly his time working with Dr. Douglas Seals and his involvement in a National Institute on Aging-funded project. This experience exposed him to the intersection of biological aging and vascular physiology, shaping his research trajectory and expanding his professional network. His transition from studying obesity and insulin resistance to vascular aging and cellular senescence was instrumental in defining his independent research direction.
One of Dr. Clayton’s major research interests lies in the field of cardio-oncology, specifically the cardiovascular effects of chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin. His research leverages preclinical models to investigate vascular aging and its implications for cancer survivors, aiming to bridge the gap between aging biology and oncology. His work has now expanded to clinical studies involving adult cancer survivors, enabling him to translate laboratory findings into meaningful clinical applications.
When discussing challenges in cardiometabolic health and obesity management, Dr. Clayton underscored the importance of personalized medicine. While he pointed to exercise as a well-established therapeutic intervention, he acknowledged the real-world barriers to its implementation, particularly issues of accessibility and socioeconomic disparities. He also emphasized the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning in tailoring healthcare solutions to individual needs, enhancing access to wellness strategies such as stress reduction, sleep optimization, and social engagement.
Regarding the future of JCA, Dr. Clayton expressed his vision for expanding the journal’s impact by fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. He highlighted the pervasive influence of aging across all medical disciplines and advocated for thematic issues that explore the intersection of cardiovascular aging with chronic diseases such as kidney disease, heart failure, and cancer. He envisions JCA as a platform that bridges gaps between aging research and other medical specialties, ultimately advancing our understanding of cardiovascular health across the lifespan.
Dr. Clayton’s insights reflect his deep commitment to aging research and his drive to enhance the field’s relevance in clinical and translational medicine. His passion for integrating cardiovascular aging research with emerging fields positions his work to continue influencing the future of cardiovascular medicine and geriatric healthcare.
Introduction to Dr. Zachary S. Clayton
Dr. Zachary S. Clayton is a researcher specializing in cardiovascular aging and metabolic health. He is currently based at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, within the Division of Geriatric Medicine. Dr. Clayton's research focuses on elucidating the biological mechanisms of vascular aging, the role of cellular senescence in cardiovascular disease, and the interface between aging and cardio-oncology. His work aims to develop therapeutic strategies to mitigate age-related cardiovascular decline and improve long-term health outcomes, particularly for older adults and cancer survivors.
Editor: Baron Li
Language Editor: Catherine Yang
Production Editor: Yan Zhang
Respectfully submitted by the Editorial Office of The Journal of Cardiovascular Aging
