Multifactorial processes to slowing the biological clock: Insights from a comparative approach.
Traditionally scientists have attempted to understand the biology of aging through engineering tractable systems, employing methods such as transgenesis and environmental or nutritional manipulation. An alternative approach relies on the phenomena of natural, extreme biology. Numerous examples exist of species that persist under conditions that promote pathology in humans and considerable insight has been garnered by uncovering the molecular mechanisms mediating this "evolutionary experimentation". Here we focus on a few well-studied naturally long-lived species to evaluate how natural selection has permitted an attenuated aging process without the physiological decline that plagues short lived species. Animals with exceptional endocrine and metabolic systems, as well as animals that tolerate oxidative stress are proposed as good models for studying the mechanisms of longevity. Cumulatively, this review will highlight some advantages and shortcomings of using a comparative approach to study aging.
Barshop Institute for Aging and Longevity Studies, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio 15355 Lambda Drive, San Antonio, TX 78245USA.
Jamila R
JR
Sanchez
Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL USA.
Sarah L
SL
Milton
Department of Physiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio 7703 Floyd Curl Drive San Antonio, TX USA 78229.
Kevin C
KC
Corbit
Barshop Institute for Aging and Longevity Studies, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio 15355 Lambda Drive, San Antonio, TX 78245USA; Department of Physiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio 7703 Floyd Curl Drive San Antonio, TX USA 78229. Electronic address: rbuffen@calicolabs.com.
Rochelle
R
Buffenstein
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild; D001481:Basal Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D001683:Biological Clocks / Q000502:physiology*; D004703:Endocrine System / Q000502:physiology; D006605:Hibernation / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008136:Longevity / Q000502:physiology; D019577:Mole Rats / Q000502:physiology; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000502:physiology; D013045:Species Specificity; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical / Q000379:methods
GH/IGF; Glucocorticoids; Hypoxia; Metabolism; Naked mole-rat; Oxidative stress; Suspended animation; Turtles