The Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research Established at the Buck Institute

It is increasingly clear that inter-connected mechanisms drive age-related disease. Researchers need to understand these connections and identify the earliest molecular events of the aging process. The newly established Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research at the Buck Institute will focus on this inquiry following a $2 million, five year grant from the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research.

The grant will fund eight postdoctoral research fellows who are assigned to pairs of mentors at the Buck Institute. Their research projects include inflammation, adaptation to stress, macromolecular damage and epigenetics among others. Examples of specific research projects underway in the Glenn Center include studies aimed at managing inflammation to improve regenerative therapies in aging retinas and identifying neuron-specific factors that influence age-related stress resistance.

“We are excited to be able to take a deep dive into these critical issues in aging research and we thank the Glenn Foundation for their generous support,” said Brian K. Kennedy, PhD, President and CEO of the Buck Institute. “The discoveries that will come from these studies have the potential to significantly move the field forward and we are honored that the Glenn Foundation is continuing its relationship with the Buck.”

“The Buck Institute’s collaborative and interdisciplinary environment is well-suited to the mission of the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research,” said Mark R. Collins, President and Director of the Glenn Foundation. “The field needs to build on discoveries that have identified the basic drivers of age-related disease; it’s the next step in efforts to extend health with lifespan. We are pleased to expand on our long-standing relationship with the Buck by establishing a Glenn Center there.” The Glenn Foundation has established research centers and laboratories leading institutions throughout the U.S.

Dr. Verdin will be Program Director of the Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research at the Buck Institute. Buck faculty Martin Brand, Gordon Lithgow and Jennifer Garrison will help will serve on an executive committee that will monitor research progress.