Understanding how ribosomal DNA maintenance sustains cellular longevity
Dr. Nelson has been fascinated by the remarkable duality of life; that individuals are destined to a finite lifespan, but life is infinitely perpetuated through reproduction. Our lifespan is partly limited by the deterioration of particular weak points in our genome over time. Dr. Nelson's research centers on understanding how this deterioration is remarkably restored in germ cells – the cells that make sperm and eggs – to “reset” the aging clock at each generation. His laboratory is particularly focused on a genomic weak point called the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) that is essential for all cells to function. His lab leverages a rich history of rDNA research in fruit flies to apply modern techniques to identify how rDNA is restored in germ cells. Excitingly, his lab recently found that the lifespan influencing insulin and mTor pathways control rDNA restoration activity, and are now pursing how their control over rDNA restoration impacts lifespan.
