Lithgow Lab
The Science The Institute The Science Get Involved Healthy aging

Gordon J. Lithgow, Ph.D., Professor

Molecular genetics and chemical biology of aging

The Lithgow lab aims to understand the basic mechanisms of aging by genetic and pharmacologic manipulation of the lifespan of the microscopic nematode worm, Caenorhabditis elegans. In addition, his lab collaborates with other laboratories at the Institute to utilize this simple animal in studies of human disease.

Lithgow’s lab focuses on the relationship between stress and aging by studying genes that effect lifespan and an animal’s ability to resist stress. This has thrown up some surprises. One study revealed that proteins which prevent cancer in humans by ensuring that cells do not divide if they have DNA damage also determine lifespan in the nematode worm C. elegans. This study shows that checkpoint proteins, traditionally thought only to be functional in cells that divide, are also active in cells that no longer divide. The fact that the proteins appear to have dual functions opens a new approach to study the connection between aging and cancer. The findings raise the question of whether genetic variations in checkpoint proteins in humans may place some individuals at risk for cancer, but protect them against other age-associated diseases; or conversely, set a genetic course for a shorter life which would be free from cancer.

Researchers in the Lithgow lab are currently investigating the mechanisms of chemical compounds that extend lifespan. These compounds also suppress disease-related features during worm aging. In addition, we are studying the role of protein aggreagtion in determining lifespan. We hope such studies will open new opportunities for the development of therapies for age-related disease.

“Lithgow said one theme continues to emerge from the studies being done at the Buck Institute: ‘Aging and disease are essentially the same mechanism.’”

-Marin Independent Journal November 2, 2007

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