Life span extension from dietary restriction has been observed in many different organisms, but the details of this phenomenon remain poorly understood. Dr. Matthew Kaeberlein’s research has focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying how reduced food consumption slows aging and increases life span in the nematode C. elegans. The discoveries from these efforts will be used to guide future studies in more complex organisms, including humans.

Gaining an understanding of which genes are involved in lengthening life span is a critical step in advancing our knowledge of the aging processes. As Dr. Kaeberlein explains, “We will attempt to define the genes that are involved in life span extension from dietary restriction in C. elegans. 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.”

The implications of this research are profound 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, scientists will be able to identify potential targets for therapies that potentially can be beneficial for many different age-associated diseases in humans.

Dr. Kaeberlein is a prolific author. Through 2011, he has published over 70 papers in prestigious scientific journals, many as first author. He continues his exploration into the implications of dietary restriction and the important role that regulation of protein translation plays in determining longevity in invertebrate organisms.

Dr. Kaeberlein describes the excitement in the field of aging-related research, as the results of basic biology are being translated into potential human therapies. Speaking broadly, he has hopes for three promising areas of research to reach their potential in the near future: TOR inhibitors, AMP kinase activators and sirtuin activators. “It is my hope that drugs targeting one or more of these enzymes will be shown to have beneficial effects against multiple age-related diseases in people in the next five years,” he says. “This would energize the field and (hopefully) provide the political incentive to begin funding studies of the basic biology of aging at a level commensurate with their potential for improving human health.”

Learn more about AFAR grantees and their projects here.

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