New Book Presents Comprehensive Survey Of Research Into The Molecular Basis Of Aging

Main Category: Seniors / Aging
Also Included In: Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 07 Dec 2007 - 11:00 PDT

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In recent years, significant progress has been made in aging-related research. In an authoritative new book published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press , leading scientists present recent research advances on the molecular basis of aging, such as the identification of genes that regulate aging and the relationship between diet and aging. They also discuss the potential for developing new drugs to regulate aging and ameliorate aging-related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and cancer.

The book, entitled Molecular Biology of Aging , is the first to comprehensively cover this field in a single volume. It is an essential source of information for researchers, clinicians, and anyone interested in the field of biogerontology.

Molecular Biology of Aging was edited by three leading experts in the field, Lenny Guarente, Linda Partridge, and Douglas Wallace, each of whom contributed chapters to the book.

Guarente's chapter focuses on sirtuins, which are enzymes that function as critical regulators of aging-related processes in many organisms. He recently authored the popular book Ageless Quest , also published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, in which he provides a personal account of his pursuit of a "cure" for aging.

Partridge's chapter explores the genetics, evolution, and physiology of aging using Drosophila as a model. Her work has shown that single-gene mutations can extend lifespans, and has uncovered physiological trade-offs related to longevity, such as reproduction rate and dietary intake.

Molecular Biology of Aging begins with Wallace's chapter, which discusses the role of mitochondria in aging. His current research focuses on mutations in mitochondrial genes and their role in neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and aging. His laboratory is developing medications that someday may mitigate the effects of aging in humans.

Other leading scientists contributed chapters in their areas of expertise, such as calorie restriction, telomeres, stem cells, gene networks, DNA repair, and stress resistance. Significant space is devoted to aging-related diseases, such as cancer, Parkinson's disease, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Progeria. The book also contains chapters on specific model organisms, including C. elegans, mice, and yeast, which discuss how each species has contributed to our understanding of the aging process.

About the book

Molecular Biology of Aging (© 2008, ISBN 978-087969824-9) is 610 pp. in length (illus., index) and is available in hardcover. It was edited by Leonard P. Guarente (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Linda Partridge (University College London), and Douglas C. Wallace (University of California, Irvine). For more details, please see here.

About Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press is an internationally renowned publisher of books, journals, and electronic media, located on Long Island, New York. Since 1933, it has furthered the advance and spread of scientific knowledge in all areas of genetics and molecular biology, including cancer biology, plant science, bioinformatics, and neurobiology. It is a division of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, an innovator in life science research and the education of scientists, students, and the public.

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press .