Grant: Project Grant

As the population of Canada ages, there is an increasingly urgent need to understand the aging process. Currently, there are almost 6 million Canadians over the age of 65, which is more than 15% of the total population. In addition to the general decline in health that occurs with age, aging is the greatest risk factor for the development of many diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer. Nonetheless, the role of aging in these diseases remains undefined, and the aging process is poorly understood. By advancing our understanding of the aging process, we believe that the knowledge obtained may not only be used to promote healthy aging but also to treat age-onset diseases. Our research has shown that a mild increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species (also known as free radicals) specifically in the energy-generating part of the cell called the mitochondria can increase lifespan. Our initial studies into the underlying mechanisms suggest that the increase in longevity results from a signal that is transmitted from the mitochondria to the nucleus to change gene expression. The current proposal will define the mechanisms by which changes in the mitochondria can extend the longevity of the whole organism. Our long-term goal is to translate these findings in order to improve human health span, the number of years that an individual remains healthy. Accordingly, this research has the potential to improve the quality of life of older Canadians and to decrease health care spending.