On May 20, 2026, Professor David Sherwood, Jerry G. and Patricia Crawford Hubbard Chair and Associate Chair of Biology at Duke University, gave a lecture at the 14th Global Wisdom Talk at Zhiyuan College. His lecture, titled "Wrinkled Foundations – Aging of the Extracellular Matrix," explored how extracellular matrix (ECM) aging may drive tissue decline and even set a ceiling on human lifespan.

Sherwood noted that while cellular aging has been extensively studied, the ECM—which accounts for roughly half of animal body weight—remains largely overlooked. He proposed that ECM aging, particularly of the basement membrane, is a critical yet underappreciated factor in functional decline with age.

Using C. elegans as a model, his lab revealed that basement membranes undergo structural deterioration over time, resembling wrinkled and damaged building foundations. These changes disrupt normal tissue function. Sherwood also shared unpublished data showing how such age-related alterations in the ECM might limit longevity.

During the interactive session, Sherwood engaged with students and faculty on topics ranging from molecular markers of basement membrane aging to mitophagy-ECM crosstalk and gene therapy delivery strategies. He also offered advices on resilience, failure, and maintaining curiosity in research.

A leading expert in cell-basement membrane interactions, Sherwood’s work is funded by the NIH and Wellcome Trust. He serves on the board of the American Society for Matrix Biology and as a review panelist for the Damon Runyon Fellowship.