Discovery of chemical compounds with high aging-delaying, health-improving and lifespan-extending efficiencies and characterization of their action mechanisms

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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.