Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Using funding provided by the NSERC Engage and Engage Plus grants, we have screened a library of plant*extracts (PEs) for extracts that can delay chronological aging of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The*library was provided by Idunn Technologies Inc., a company in the Montreal area. Our initial screen has*revealed 6 PEs that increase yeast chronological lifespan to a significantly greater extent than any of the*presently known longevity-extending chemical compounds. We demonstrated that each of the 6 initially*discovered PEs is a geroprotector which elicits a hormetic stress response, affects a distinct set of*longevity-defining cellular processes, and slows yeast chronological aging through different signaling pathways*and protein kinases that converge into an evolutionarily conserved network. Our recent screen of the library of*PEs provided by Idunn Technologies Inc. has revealed 15 other extracts that delay yeast chronological aging.*With the present research proposal, we seek the CRD Grant for the period of 3 years. The proposed here CRD*project will: 1) identify chemical compounds responsible for the delay of aging by each of the 21 PEs we*discovered; 2) assess how the 15 recently discovered aging-delaying PEs influence a distinct set of*longevity-defining cellular processes; 3) investigate how the 15 recently discovered aging-delaying plant*extracts impact a longevity-defining network of signaling pathways and protein kinases; and 4) examine if*some combinations of the 21 PEs may have additive or synergistic effects on the aging-delaying efficiencies of*each other. The proposed here research project will: 1) advance current understanding of mechanisms*underlying the complexity of biological aging; 2) stimulate professional development of two graduate students;*3) enable to develop new formulations of natural health products with the maximal aging-delaying and*lifespan-extending effects; 4) give Idunn Technologies Inc. access to the unique knowledge, expertise and*educational resources available in our laboratory at Concordia University; and 5) have a major beneficial*impact on the commercial success of Idunn Technologies Inc.