The Kennedy lab is focused on understanding the molecular determinants of aging. We use a combination of model organisms, taking advantage of their relative strengths. In yeast, which are short-lived and amenable to high-throughput genetic studies, we have screened a set of 5000 strains each lacking a nonessential gene to find those with slower aging. Current studies are centered on molecular, biochemical and genetic approaches designed to translate a list of long-lived mutants into the proximal causes of aging in this single-celled eukaryote. We are also interested in determined which pathways affecting yeast aging are conserved in humans. To do this, we have compared yeast data to worm RNAi screens, identifying ortholog pairs that modulate aging in diverse invertebrates. Then, mouse knockouts are made lacking the corresponding murine ortholog. Mice are analyzed for lifespan and age-related disease. Current focus is on the TOR pathway and the role of chromatin modifying enzymes. We are also interested in A-type nuclear lamins, targets for mutation in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. Aging remains poorly understood, but the tools are in hand to unravel mechnisms underlying this universal phenomenon.
Taking Students: Yes
Available for Rotations Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer
