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AGING MECHANISM RESEARCH

To apply the knowledge of aging biology to actual aging interventions and develop innovative anti-aging strategies to effectively counteract the effects of time on the human body.

The Complex Journey of Aging

Aging is a multifaceted process resulting from complex changes in biological functions, ranging from DNA damage accumulation to protein dysfunction and altered intercellular communication. Our research focuses on deciphering these mechanisms at genomic, cellular, and systemic levels. This is the fundamental step towards identifying effective strategies to slow aging and enhance healthy lifespan.

Hallmarks of Aging

Aging is driven by various biochemical changes occurring at different organismal levels, from molecular to systemic. Lopez-Otin and colleagues, in their influential 2013 publication in Cell, identified nine hallmarks of aging, which have become central to aging research and intervention. These hallmarks include Genomic Instability, Telomere Attrition, Epigenetic Alterations, Loss of Proteostasis, Deregulated Nutrient Sensing, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Cellular Senescence, Stem Cell Exhaustion, and Altered Intercellular Communication. For more details, please refer to the original paper at Cell.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2013.05.039

NAD+: The Fountain of Youth

NAD+ is vital for cellular metabolism and homeostasis and plays a critical role in regulating the aging process. Numerous preclinical studies have shown that declining NAD+ levels contribute to increased disease susceptibility and aging.

Conversely, administering NAD+ precursors (like NMN, NR, NA, NAM) in model animals has shown improved health and extended lifespan. Restoring NAD+ levels is thus seen as a promising anti-aging intervention, potentially mimicking the effects of calorie restriction, a recognized anti-aging method.

NAD+: The Fountain of Youth

Discovered in 1904 by British biochemist Sir Arthur Harden in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, NAD+ was initially recognized as a coenzyme in redox reactions before its signaling molecule role was identified. NAD+ is intricately linked to all aging hallmarks and its levels in human tissues diminish with age.

NAD+ is vital for cellular metabolism and homeostasis and plays a critical role in regulating the aging process. Numerous preclinical studies have shown that declining NAD+ levels contribute to increased disease susceptibility and aging.

Conversely, administering NAD+ precursors (like NMN, NR, NA, NAM) in model animals has shown improved health and extended lifespan. Restoring NAD+ levels is thus seen as a promising anti-aging intervention, potentially mimicking the effects of calorie restriction, a recognized anti-aging method.