Assessing chronological aging in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cell Biology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Chronological age is a key factor in lifespan.
• Model organisms like Saccharomyces cerevisiae are crucial for studying aging.
• Understanding conserved aging mechanisms is vital for longevity research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present high- and low-throughput protocols for assessing chronological lifespan in yeast.
• To detail methods for characterizing aging-associated cell death in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
• To provide a foundation for genetic or pharmacological interventions targeting aging.

Main Methods:

• Propidium iodide staining for quantitative (flow cytometry) and qualitative (microscopy) cell death assessment.
• Cell viability assessment via plating and cell counting.
• Propidium iodide/AnnexinV staining for detailed cell death characterization using flow cytometry or microscopy.

Main Results:

• Established protocols allow for comprehensive monitoring of chronological lifespan.
• Methods enable quantitative and qualitative assessment of aging-associated cell death.
• Combined techniques provide a clear picture of yeast aging under various conditions.

Conclusions:

• These protocols offer a robust framework for studying yeast aging.
• The methods facilitate the identification of factors influencing longevity.
• This work serves as a basis for future aging research and interventions.