Research - A Multipronged Approach

The Center’s Genetic Analysis Group capitalizes on its expertise in a variety of cell types to explore new questions about key genetic pathways involved in cell maintenance and aging, and fully investigates how newly defined genes alter the aging process. This group is comprised of laboratories led by Drs. Andrew Dillin, Martin Hetzer, Jan Karlseder and Vicki Lundblad.

While scientists have learned that stem cells' capacity to self-renew and differentiate into functioning cells dramatically decrease during the aging process, they still do not know how or why. The Glenn Center's Stem Cell Group, led by Dr. Fred H. Gage, studies the specific molecular components associated with aging in stem cells. These studies can help elucidate the procedure stem cells establish to stay healthy - which could explain why and how humans age. This group also includes Drs. Juan Carlos Belmonte and Leanne Jones.

Likewise, the Metabolism Group, led by Dr. Ronald M. Evans, seeks to understand the molecular underpinnings associated with decreased metabolism and the aging process. Specifically, the group looks at how aging affects metabolism across key organ systems and attempts to explain how restrictive diets can alter the expression of different genetic programs. This group includes Drs. Reuben Shaw and Marc Montminy.