Human development, aging and regenerative medicine
Within this decade, and for the first time in Canada, people under the age of 15 will be outnumbered by people who are 65 and older.
In the hopes of discovering interventions that promote health and longevity, our researchers study the molecular and physiological changes that occur during the developmental and aging process.
Can we control these processes? Studies conducted in model organisms and in human stem cell models indicate that the answer is yes. Using human, mouse, yeast, and other model systems, investigators study these developmental and aging mechanisms at the molecular/genetic/epigenetic, environmental, and behavioural level.
The ultimate goal is to promote healthy longevity and prevent/cure age-related diseases. Regenerative medicine strategies are also being pursued, with the ultimate goal of therapeutic organ regeneration.
Our laboratories investigate processes such as:
- senescence and stem cell aging
- physiological and premature aging
- telomeres, telomerase, and related therapeutics
- Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome and related laminopathies
- neurodegenerative and cognitive diseases
- metabolic syndromes
- musculo-skeletal diseases
- stroke and cardiovascular disease
- cancer
- regeneration of liver, pancreas, joints, spine and stem cells
