Genes, culture, and aging flies--what the lab can and cannot tell us about natural genetic variation for senescence.
Model organisms cultured in the lab provide a powerful way to explore basic biological processes. However, lab culture can select for high early fecundity and dramatically shorten the life-span of lab organisms. Studies that use these short-lived organisms to identify aging-related genes might identify genes that simply restore the organism's original life-span. These results might not be fully relevant to wild populations. Experiments that reduce selection for shorter life-span or seek genes in naturally long-lived cohorts should lead to a more accurate understanding of aging.
Spencer
Christine C
CC
Department of Genetics at the University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
Promislow
Daniel E L
DE
D000375:Aging / Q000235:genetics*; D000818:Animals; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D005298:Fertility / Q000235:genetics; D008136:Longevity / Q000235:genetics; D023421:Models, Animal; D012641:Selection, Genetic