Lifespan

…how those mechanisms change across the lifespan, from childhood into older age.

…in peripheral tissues that extends the lifespan of C. elegans. The revelation came as a surprise, given the prevalent belief that cell autonomous mechanisms would underlie the relationship between mitochondrial function and aging. It was also surprising given the prevailing dogma

The progressive increase in parental age at conception and its impact on the offspring's well-being has concerned researchers about possible adverse outcomes. Studies have reported a wide range of health risks, including genetic abnormalities, psychiatric morbidity and neurodegeneration, in the offspring born to aged parents. Indeed, a few studies from animal models show the trans-generational effects of advanced parental age (APA). We, therefore, aimed to understand if APA affects the overall fitness of offspring in F1 and F2. We have used Drosophila (Canton S) as a model system for this. The

Hypothalamic agouti-related peptide (AgRP)-expressing neurons are exclusively located in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus and form the basis of the melanocortin system, a set of CNS circuits regulating energy homeostasis. Besides an important role in driving food intake, AgRP neurons are also involved in modulating complex, non-feeding behaviors. However, it is unknown how AgRP-dependent feeding influences general exploratory behavior. Using the AgRPDTR mouse model with impaired AgRP neuronal functions, we show here that perturbation of AgRP neuronal function leads to sex-dependent body

Dietary amino acids are key determinants of lifespan and fecundity. Flies achieve a balanced intake of amino acids under diverse physiological conditions by developing a protein-specific appetite. The Drosophila feeding motor program comprises behavioral modules (feeding bursts and activity bouts) which are tightly regulated by the nutrient state of the fly. Here, we aim to understand the neural-circuit mechanisms underlying physiological state-specific regulation of Drosophila feeding microstructure by dissecting sensorimotor pathways controlling feeding motor programs. First, we show that di

…evaluating memory function across a lifespan, from 5 to 85-year-olds. This approach allows for direct comparison across various tasks and materials tailored to specific age groups.

The human cortical ribbon varies during the lifespan, from childhood to senescence. To study the effects of genetic and environmental factors on these dynamics, one needs to measure specific phenotypes (cortical volume, surface area, thickness, new neuroimaging phenotypes such as intracortical myelination or multimodal ones based on their combination, or their asymmetries) that characterize the cerebral grey matter accurately

…The lecture distinguishes lifespan from healthspan and considers how research on aging mechanisms can inform the diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases associated with getting older. Against the background of aging populations, Verdin explores the underlying causes of biological aging, the contributions of genetics and lifestyle, and approaches being investigated to extend healthy longevity. The discussion connects mechanistic research with the question of how a longer life can include m

Reducing protein intake (and that of key amino acids) extends lifespan, especially during mid-life and early late-life. Yet, due to a powerful protein appetite, reducing protein in the diet leads to increased food intake, promoting obesity – which shortens lifespan. That is the protein paradox. In the talk I will bring together pieces of the jigsaw, including: specific nutrient appetites, protein leverage, macronutrient interactions on appetite and ageing, the role of branched-chain amino acids and FGF-21, and then I will conclude by showing how these pieces fit together and play out in the mo