| Overview: This course focuses on recent developments in the area of mechanisms of aging. It highlights advancements in our understanding of the cellular and molecular basis for aging in both experimental organisms and humans. Human diseases of aging (i.e., progerias) will be discussed, especially where underlying mechanisms have been elucidated. The content of the course is interdisciplinary in nature and students and faculty from other Departments and Colleges are invited to participate. Topic Areas: Cell senescence (e.g., Hayflick limit, "classic" literature) Aging diseases (e.g., Werner syndrome, molecular basis of disease) Lower eukaryote model systems (e.g., S. cerevisiae, D. melanogaster, C. elegans) Higher eukaryote model systems (e.g., rat, mouse, primate) General models (e.g., molecular damage, genome instability, telomere erosion) Format: Typically, class begins with a short lecture (either a "chalk talk" or Powerpoint presentation). This is followed by discussion of assigned readings, usually a review and papers from the research literature. Reading Assignments: Reviews and papers from the original literature will be assigned. Grades: Grades are based on participation in group discussions during class. An exam may be given. Schedule (with links to assigned readings): Spring 2004 Spring 2006 Spring 2007 Spring 2008. |