Core E Invertebrate Models of Aging

CORE E – INVERTEBRATE MODELS OF AGING PROJECT SUMMARY The Invertebrate Models of Aging Core (Core E) at the UW Nathan Shock Center develops and offers unique services to new and established gerontology investigators to address challenges in aging research with simple eukaryotic model systems and advanced light microscopy. Because of the long lifespans of vertebrates, getting answers can be costly in terms of both time and money; invertebrate model systems provide a fast and inexpensive proxy in which to perform discovery research and test hypotheses. We help new and established gerontologists rapidly generate data for conserved biological processes affecting the aging process by utilizing yeast and nematodes, simple model organisms with rapid lifecycles and proven track records of identifying conserved processes affecting aging. In Aim 1, we will extend the capabilities of yeast geroscience research using a relatively new tool, the aging chemostat, that allows us to generate large numbers of old yeast cells for subsequent analyses via advanced light microscopy, proteomics, metabolomics, or genomics/gene expression studies. In Aim 2, we provide similar capacities for C. elegans animals, muscles, or intestines. In conjunction with our array of WormBots (automated lifespan measuring machines), we can rapidly test specific mutations or gene knockdowns for effects on aging. We can determine which region of a gene is required for effects on aging, and when and where a gene is expressed in the tissues of the nematode. Aims 1 and 2 synergize with our imaging capabilities in Aim 3, which provide the ability to look at phenotypes, gene expression patterns, and more in live animals and cells over lifespan. These services synergize with the theme of the UW NSC by allowing rapid testing or validation of hypotheses generated via multi-omic data and analyses by the other resource cores. The services provided by Core E have historically been both highly utilized and productive in terms of publications, grants, and training. In our next cycle, we will introduce a partnership to provide a pipeline between screening in mammalian cells at the OK NSC and testing for aging effects in invertebrate models in Core E. In addition, we will combine forces with our own cores, with whom we are poised to make more collaborative, exciting contributions to aging research. We hope and plan to continue to serve the gerontology community to generate data to understand the fundamental conserved processes likely to be affecting aging in humans.