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GE Healthcare Supports Early Career Scientists Studying Biomarkers of Aging

NEW YORK, October 18, 2007 -- Four scientists received the AFAR-GE Healthcare Junior Investigator Award for Excellence in Biomarker Research - sponsored by the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) and GE Healthcare. The award, which was presented at the AFAR-hosted Seeking Biomarkers of Aging and Diseases of Aging scientific conference, recognizes innovative scientific accomplishments in the area of biomarker research. The meeting was held earlier this month.

Recipients of the $1,500 award include:

Stuart M. Chambers, PhD, Baylor College of Medicine
Aged Hematopoietic Stem Cells Decline in Function and Exhibit Epigenetic Dysregulation
Dr. Chambers's research seeks to present a comprehensive molecular portrait of aging in a class of stem cells that replenish blood and the immune system throughout an individual's life. His research findings suggest that using global gene expression as a single biomarker may more accurately predict physiological age.

Carolina Ibáñez-Ventoso, PhD, Rutgers University
microRNA Levels as Biomarkers of Healthspan and Fitness
MicroRNAs are conserved, small-molecule regulators of gene expression that have been proposed to modulate lifespan and the quality of aging ("healthspan"). Dr. Ibáñez-Ventoso is currently investigating how microRNAs modulate the aging process. She is generating the first microRNA profile for healthy aging in simple organisms with extrapolation use as human biomarkers; she is also experimentally testing how specific conserved microRNAs might be administered to extend the healthspan of specific tissues.

Krishnamurthy Janakiraman, PhD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
p16INK4a is a biomarker and an effector of mammalian aging
Dr. Janakiraman studies a pair of tumor suppressor molecules (p16 INK4a and Arf) that seem to work by preventing cells from performing their routine maintenance, thereby contributing to aging while also acting as a tumor suppressor gene that puts the brakes on cancer (characterized by uncontrolled cell growth). His research studies the roles that the expression of these molecules play not only as a robust biomarker of mammalian aging, but also a regulator of tissue aging.

Ying Liang, PhD, University of Kentucky
Latexin: a novel gene implicated in the regulation of hematopoietic stem cells in aging and leukemia.
Dr. Liang leads a study that identified a new gene coding for a potential tumor suppressor whose expression also changes with age. Her research seeks to understand the underlying mechanisms of Latexin, a novel gene implicated in the regulation of hematopoietic stem cells in aging and leukemia. Ongoing research will identify whether there is a cause and effect relationship between Lxn expression, aging and age-related cancers which could have enormous ramifications for the diagnosis, prevention and therapy for age-related diseases.

"We are pleased to once again partner with GE Healthcare to recognize promising scientists - this time those engaged in research on biomarkers of aging and diseases of aging," said Stephanie Lederman, Executive Director of the American Federation for Aging Research. "The advancement of biomarkers of aging research will help us get closer to the development of preventive measures and therapies for many age-related diseases and disorders. The potential impact on an aging population is great," she added.

"GE Healthcare is delighted to support talented scientists in biomarker research develop and further their careers" said Jean-Luc Vanderheyden, PhD, Global Molecular Imaging Leader at GE Healthcare. "The winners of this year's awards presented proposals on both fundamental aspects of cell aging and their regulation as key aspects of health and fitness of aging individuals. The proposals showed the excellence in research and we are pleased to help the next generation of scientists," he added.

Information about Seeking Biomarkers of Aging and Diseases of Aging can be found at http://www.afar.org/biomarkersconference.html#Program.

From Right to Left: George M. Martin, MD, Stuart M. Chambers, PhD, Carolina Ibáñez-Ventoso, PhD, Krishnamurthy Janakiraman, PhD, Ying Liang PhD, and Kim Gallagher, PhD

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