Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026
Author Spotlight: Exploring Microglial Interactions with Stress-Response Circuitry Using the Limited Bedding and Nesting Model
Published on: July 12, 2024
Lifespan modulation in mice and the confounding effects of genetic background
Lorna Mulvey1, Amy Sinclair1, Colin Selman1
1Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Graham Kerr Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
Abstract:
We are currently in the midst of a revolution in ageing research, with several dietary, genetic and pharmacological interventions now known to modulate ageing in model organisms. Excitingly, these interventions also appear to have beneficial effects on late-life health. For example, dietary restriction (DR) has been shown to slow the incidence of age-associated cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, cancer and brain ageing in non-human primates and has been shown to improve a range of health indices in humans. While the idea that DR's ability to extend lifespan is often thought of as being universal, studies in a range of organisms, including yeast, mice and monkeys, suggest that this may not actually be the case. The precise reasons underlying these differential effects of DR on lifespan are currently unclear, but genetic background may be an important factor in how an individual responds to DR. Similarly, recent findings also suggest that the responsiveness of mice to specific genetic or pharmacological interventions that modulate ageing may again be influenced by genetic background. Consequently, while there is a clear driver to develop interventions to improve late-life health and vitality, understanding precisely how these act in response to particular genotypes is critical if we are to translate these findings to humans. We will consider of the role of genetic background in the efficacy of various lifespan interventions and discuss potential routes of utilising genetic heterogeneity to further understand how particular interventions modulate lifespan and healthspan.
Insights
Genetic background significantly influences how individuals respond to aging interventions like dietary restriction. Understanding this genetic influence is key to developing effective human healthspan and lifespan treatments.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and aging research
- Genetics and personalized medicine
- Molecular biology and intervention studies
Background:
- Aging research is experiencing a revolution with interventions like dietary restriction (DR) showing benefits in model organisms and humans.
- DR can slow age-associated diseases (cardiovascular, metabolic, cancer, brain aging) but its lifespan-extending effects may not be universal.
- Genetic background is emerging as a critical factor influencing individual responses to DR and other aging interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of genetic background in the efficacy of various lifespan and healthspan interventions.
- To explore how genetic heterogeneity can be utilized to understand intervention mechanisms.
- To address the critical need for genotype-specific insights for translating aging research findings to human populations.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on aging interventions (dietary, genetic, pharmacological) in model organisms and humans.
- Analysis of studies examining the impact of genetic background on intervention response.
- Exploration of genetic heterogeneity as a tool for dissecting intervention effects on lifespan and healthspan.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests that the effectiveness of aging interventions, including DR, varies based on genetic makeup.
- Genetic background influences the response of organisms to specific genetic or pharmacological interventions.
- Differential responses highlight the complexity of aging processes and intervention efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Genetic background is a crucial determinant of response to aging interventions.
- Understanding genotype-specific effects is essential for the successful translation of aging research to human health.
- Further research into genetic heterogeneity will refine our approach to improving late-life health and vitality.
More Related Videos
09:09Generating a Reproducible Model of Mid-Gestational Maternal Immune Activation using PolyI:C to Study Susceptibility and Resilience in Offspring
Published on: August 17, 2022
06:38Determination of Reproductive Competence by Confirming Pubertal Onset and Performing a Fertility Assay in Mice and Rats
Published on: October 13, 2018