AFAR grants helped support the research careers of Dr. Daniel Promislow (left) and Dr. Matt Kaeberlein (right), seen here with Executive Director Stephanie Lederman.
On May 16th, AFAR co-hosted two events on The Dog Aging Project with the University of Washington Medicine: a morning research briefing and luncheon and an evening cocktail reception.
The Dog Aging Project is a bold national study into the healthy aging of our best friends and what that could mean for human aging. By studying dogs in their homes, researchers at University of Washington Medicine are identifying the genetic and environmental factors that underlie healthy aging to develop therapies that extend healthy lifespan.
The Dog Aging Project is led by acclaimed AFAR grant recipients:
• Matt Kaeberlein, Ph.D. - University of Washington Medicine Professor, Department of Pathology, Co-director, University of Washington Medicine Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging; Director, Healthy Aging and Longevity Research Institute; President, American Aging Association; Recipient, 2006 AFAR Research Grant for Junior Faculty and 2007 Glenn/AFAR Breakthroughs in Gerontology Award.
• Daniel Promislow, Ph.D. - University of Washington Medicine Professor, Department of Pathology; Director, Canine Longevity Consortium; Recipient, 1996 AFAR Research Grant for Junior Faculty and 2010 Glenn/AFAR Breakthroughs in Gerontology Award.
Attracting leaders from popular media, foundations, corporations the events of May 16th were a great success.
Guest heard first hand from Dr. Kaeberlein, Dr. Promislow, and their colleague, veterinarian Dr. Kate Creevy, on the potential this study offers to allow scientists and veterinarians to better understand how dogs --- and by extension, humans --- age. After promising results from the phase 1 pilot study, the University of Washington is now seeking funds to launch a 10,000 dog study focused on collecting data into dog aging, with a subgroup looking at effects of the drug rapamycin as a potential intervention for targeting canine aging.
The Dog Aging Project has sparked wide public and media attention and was featured as the cover study of the New York Times on May 17, 2016.
Dr. Matt Kaeberlein explains the relationship between the biology of aging and common diseases and this project’s potential to extend human healthspan.
Dr. Daniel Promislow address members of the media and Foundation representatives during the morning research briefing.
For more information on The Dog Aging Project view recent news coverage here:
Dogs Test Drug Aimed at Humans’ Biggest Killer: Age | New York Times
Dog aging study aims to help extend lifespans | CBSNews
Longevity Researchers Launching World's Largest Dog Aging Study | Here&Now
