Inter-organ communication in the systemic control of aging
Over the past decade, studies in both insects and mammals have shown that blood-borne factors can dramatically affect the rate of tissue aging. It is thus possible that aging in one tissue can promote aging in other tissues through the production of specific factors. Dr. Karpac has developed a fruit fly model which allows him to describe the age-related hormonal interactions between muscle tissue and the intestine, which are tissues that play an important role in controlling lifespan of the fly.
Dr. Karpac will explore ways by which these signals and interactions may coordinate the aging process across tissues and may affect longevity.