Course Description
Biological processes accompanying aging in human and other organisms. Emphasis on physiological decline; theoretical explanations; attempts to prolong life; and the utility and limitations of model systems used to analyze human aging.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
The two essays for the graduate level will require a critical
assessment of a recently published research article
incorporating a detailed discussion of at least two articles
cited therein. Selection of the research articles requires a
documented search of the literature, frequently requiring
direct interaction with the instructor. The essays are longer
and will be graded more stringently than those written by
students in the undergraduate level. In addition, each student
will be required to prepare a critique of at least three
undergraduate level essays following guidelines provided by the
instructor. Graduate level students will be expected to repair
any deficiencies they might have in understanding modern
molecular biology.
Athena Title
Biology of Aging
Undergraduate Prerequisite
GENE 3200-3200D or GENE 3200H or BCMB 3100 or BCMB 3100E or BCMB 4010/6010
Graduate Prerequisite
Permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Topical Outline
LECTURE OUTLINE FOR BIOLOGY OF AGING, CB 434/634 I. Definitions of Aging Survivorship Curves II. Analyses of Human Life Span What has happened to the life span of Homo sapiens? shifted median? (life expectancy) shifted maximum? (maximum life span) What is responsible for the changes? medicine? hygiene? nutrition? life style? Does the force of mortality continue to rise at old ages? insights from invertebrates data from humans III. Background on Genetics -- transmission and molecular IV. Is our Life Span under Direct Genetic Control? Data from Homo sapiens sexual differences twin studies long-lived populations parental age genetic "progerias" menopause Insights from Model Systems inbred and congenic mice; MHC-loci selection/mutants in Drosophila melanogaster recombinant inbreds/mutants in Caenorhabditis elegans V. How Long Do Other Species Live and Why? Correlations: size? metabolic rate? brain size? developmental rate? life history strategies? VI. Can a Natural Life Span be Prolonged? Species with Distinct Developmental Stages Influence of Dietary Restrictions Influence of Exercise, Hormones, Drugs VII. How Do We Learn What Happens to Humans as they Age? Experimental Design: longitudinal studies cross-sectional studies prospective studies retrospective studies Important Longitudinal Studies Dynamic State of the Body Constituents use of isotopes cellular turnover molecular instability VIII. What Significant Changes Have Been Found as Humans Age? Morphological lipofuscin connective tissue (cardio-vascular disease) Homeostasis temperature regulation (accidental hypothermia, hyperthermia) blood sugar regulation (glucose tolerance, non-insulin dependent diabetes) calcium balance (osteoporosis) Immune System B and T Cells autoimmune diseases delayed type hypersensitivity Cell Growth cancer Circadian Rhythms super chiasmatic nuclei melatonin Neuromuscular System movement (Parkinson's Disease) learning and memory (senile dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, Huntington's Disease) IX. Aging of Cells Cell Culture Alexis Carrel's immortal chicken fibroblasts Hayflick's and Moorhead's senescing cells Heterochronic Transplants X. Mechanistic Theories of Aging Finite Number of Divisions Telomeres Collagen Cross-linking AGEs (advanced glycosylation end products) Repair Falls Behind Error Generation Free Radicals XI. Evolutionary Theories Disposable Soma Antagonistic Pleiotropy XII. Conclusions What is the significance of the long post-