Gordon Lithgow, Ph.D. on Protein Aggregation, Iron Overload & the Search for Longevity Compounds

In this podcast, Dr. Rhonda Patrick speaks with Dr. Gordon J Lithgow, professor at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. Gordon uses the tiny nematode worm, C. elegans, to interrogate questions involving the aging process and lifespan extension.

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https://www.foundmyfitness.com/episodes/gordon-j-lithgow

In this podcast, Gordon and I discuss...
• 00:00:27 - The various qualities of C. elegans, especially as related to science’s deep knowledge of the organism, that makes it a perfect fit for this type of research.
• 00:01:40 - Some of the early experiences that actually lead to my early interest in the aging field and how it actually holds a little in common with Gordon.
• 00:03:15 - The role of protein aggregation as a possible fundamental mechanism of aging... even beyond its more established role in neurodegenerative diseases.
• 00:07:41 - Some of the fascinating research surrounding mild heat stress as a means to increase lifespan in lower organisms.
• 00:16:00 - Some of Gordon’s research into the effects of metal accumulation, particularly iron, on aging in lower organisms and how, in humans, it may be important to approach the intake of these minerals with care.
• 00:17:57 - The interplay between genes that influence iron-binding and the development of Alzheimer’s disease in humans.
• 00:21:35 - Some of Gordon’s research into the (perhaps surprising) effect of vitamin D on aging in C. elegans and, particularly, on the solubility of proteins... the loss of which is a feature of aging of particular interest.
• 00:23:22 - The critical involvement of the Nrf2 stress-response pathway in conferring benefits of vitamin D in worms... a pathway many of you may know about from previous discussions of sulforaphane, a robust activator of Nrf2 in humans.
• 00:31:53 - The story behind the Caenorhabditis Intervention Testing Program, a multi-institutional effort using the advantages of C. elegans short lifespan to screen for potential compounds that may increase lifespan. We also discuss the more expensive-but-closer-to-humans version of this program known just the Intervention Testing Program.
• 00:33:00 - Some of the challenges encountered with ensuring standardization of protocols across all of the participating labs in the Caenorhabditis Intervention Testing Program.
• 00:32:20 - The amazing genetic diversity represented in soil-dwelling nematodes and how this is also an advantage in longevity research.
• 00:37:08 - The synergistic way in which research in lower organisms (C. elegans in this case) works together with rodent research to better understand the biology of aging and identify potential therapeutics.
• 00:38:05 - The interesting possibility that certain compounds may have a different overall effect on lifespan or healthspan that is dependent within certain contexts (e.g. environmentally stressed or not)... this may add a little bit more complexity!

Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:00:28 - C. elegans worms
00:03:12 - Proteostasis
00:07:29 - Heat-shock proteins
00:13:00 - Sauna 00:15:55 - Iron
00:21:34 - Vitamin D
00:31:47 - Life-extension candidates

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Find out more about Dr. Lithgow at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging:

▶︎ The Lithgow Lab @ Buck:
http://www.buckinstitute.org/lithgowLab

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Видео Gordon Lithgow, Ph.D. on Protein Aggregation, Iron Overload & the Search for Longevity Compounds канала FoundMyFitness