2006 AFAR Research Grant: Molecular Genetics of Life Span Extension by Dietary Restriction in C. elegans

Please give a brief summary of your AFAR research project.
Life span extension from dietary restriction has been observed in many different organisms, but the details of this phenomenon remain poorly understood. This project aims to understand the mechanisms underlying how reduced food consumption slows aging and increases life span in the nematode C. elegans. The discoveries from our efforts will be used to guide future studies in more complex organisms, including humans.

What problems are you addressing and what specific questions will your research seek to answer?
We will attempt to define the genes that are involved in life span extension from dietary restriction in C. elegans.

What aspects of your project are most interesting from a scientific point of view?
Dietary restriction increases life span in organisms ranging from yeast to mice. It is critical to determine whether the mechanism(s) of life span extension in these different organisms is similar or different. If the mechanism(s) are conserved, then there is a good chance these same processes will apply to humans.

What are the implications of your research for age-related diseases and disorders?
The pathways that link dietary restriction to increased life span appear to be highly evolutionarily conserved. By understanding the details of these pathways, we will identify potential targets for therapies that will be beneficial for many different age-associated diseases in humans.

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