Dietary Restriction, GH/IGF-I & Mechanisms of Differential Cellular Protection

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We propose to bring together laboratories from different disciplines, departments, and universities in Los Angeles to study the molecular mechanisms linking dietary restriction and starvation to cellular protection and aging. These studies will contribute to the identification of drugs and interventions to treat but also prevent multiple diseases of aging. The program project consists of 3 major projects, an Animal and Biostatistics Core and an Administrative Core. The common goals are to: a) identify dietary interventions and molecular pathways that can protect normal cells and organs against both endogenous and exogenous toxins with focus on age-dependent oxidative DNA and protein damage and life span, b) understand the underlying mechanisms of cellular and organismal aging with focus on starvation, growth factors-dependent signaling, oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, c) test the hypothesis that the modulation of anti aging pathways by starvation, genetic manipulations and drugs can result in differential protection of normal and cancer cells against toxins and extend longevity. The PIs bring together an optimal combination of expertise ranging from those in the genetics and molecular biology of starvation-dependent modulation of aging and stress resistance with focus on IGF-I, IGFBPs, and their signaling pathways, to knowledge of endoplasmic reticulum stress response systems and their link to aging and diseases, to experience with highly challenging procedures and large scale animals studies related to the biology of aging. The unique background of each PI and the close collaborations between them has generated and will continue to generate novel ideas to address the very complex link between growth factors, stress resistance, aging, and diseases. The variety of model systems, genetically modified cells and mice, reagents, and technical expertise contributed by each PI is undoubtedly accelerating the research progress in a way that could not be achieved by independent studies.