MCB 190: Molecular Mechanisms of Aging
Course Control # - 58856, MCB 190 section 001, 2062 VLSB Tue 4-5pm
Grading Pass / Not pass
Abstract: We will review the recent and exciting explosion in aging research at the molecular level. The discussion will begin with the evolutionary theory of aging, as it is important to consider all other aging research within the evolutionary context. This will be followed by several papers that describe the remarkable ability of anti-oxidants to delay aging in some model organisms and the limitations of anti-oxidant intervention in other organisms. Next we will review the control of life span by insulin-like signaling and calorie restriction‹one of the most exciting and promising areas of aging research today. The final section will briefly discuss the intersection of genome stability, DNA repair, cancer, and aging. Humans are marked by several progeriod (advanced aging) disorders that are characterized by increased incidence of cancer, genome instability, and defective DNA repair. How might we reconcile these observations with what we know about the aging process, from evolutionary theories to molecular mechanisms?
Organization: This seminar course is intended for advanced students that are interested in current models of the aging process at the molecular and cellular level. Students of all academic backgrounds are welcome to attend, however, you must be willing to carefully read 1-2 research papers each week. The seminar format will be like a journal club, at each class meeting one or more students will be responsible for presenting a research paper to the group. This brief presentation will be followed by a discussion that focuses on the major contribution or ideas presented in the paper. At the end of each class meeting the instructor will review current research that complements the topic presented on that day and introduces the material to be discussed the following week.
Examples of scientific literature discussed.
1. Keller L, Genoud M: Extraordinary lifespans in ants: A test of evolutionary theories of ageing. Nature (London) 1997, 389:958-960.
2. Melov S, Ravenscroft J, Malik S, Gill MS, Walker DW, Clayton PE, Wallace DC, Malfroy B, Doctrow SR, Lithgow GJ: Extension of life-span with superoxide dismutase/catalase mimetics. Science 2000, 289:1567-1569.
3. Bluher M, Kahn BB, Kahn CR: Extended longevity in mice lacking the insulin receptor in adipose tissue. Science 2003, 299:572-574.
4. Tyner SD, Venkatachalam S, Choi J, Jones S, Ghebranious N, Igelmann H, Lu X, Soron G, Cooper B, Brayton C, et al.: p53 mutant mice that display early ageing-associated phenotypes. Nature 2002, 415:45-53.