Aging and Genetics

Recommended Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of Genetics.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical teaching.

Learning Outcomes

The student should get to know that aging is a multifactorial nature mechanism and to know the mechanisms underlying to cell senescence (proliferative Hayflick limit) and the anomalies that determine overcome this limit and the eventual transformation into immortal cells. You should also know the constitution of telomeres and mode of action of telomerase. In this regard, it should recognize the importance of inibiçaõa the action of
telomerase in combating neoplastic proliferation. There will also recognize that the relaçãoentre shortening of telomeres and aging - the role of genetic variation in longevity and aging. In terms of epigenetic should notice the concept and the mechanisms involved in epigenetic regulation, as well as their relationship with aging. You should also learn to characterize the progerias and, in particular, the syndromes Werner and Hutchinson-Gilford, and the importance of live models for the understanding of aging.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Aging and evolution. Hayflick limit of proliferative and cell senescence. Telomeres. Telomerase. Shortening of telomeres and aging. Genetic variation, longevity and aging. Epigenetics: concept and mechanisms; epigenetics and aging; progerias; live models.

Head Lecturer(s)

Henriqueta Alexandra Mendes Breda Lobo Coimbra Silva

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Bernstein BE, Meissner A, Lander ES. The mammalian epigenome. Cell, 2007; 128: 669-681

Brooks-Wilson A R. Genetics of healthy aging and longevity. Hum Genet, 2013; 132(12):1323-38.

Baker DJ, Wijshake T, Tchkonia T et al. Clearance of p16Ink4a-positive senescent cells delays ageing-associated disorders. Nature, 2011; 479:232-236.

Ding S-l e Shen C-Y. Model of human aging: Recent findings on Werner’s and Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndromes. Clin Intervent Aging, 2008; 3(3):431-444

Eriksson, M, Brown WT, Gordon LB, et al. Recurrent de novo point mutations in lamin a cause Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. Nature, 2003; 423:293-298.

Fraga MF. Genetic and epigenetic regulation of aging. Current Opinion in Immunology, 2009; 21:446-453.

Hayflick L e Moorhead PS. The serial cultivation of human diploid cell strains. Exp Cell Res, 1961; 25:585-621.

Heyn H, Lib N, Ferreira HJ, et al. Distinct DNA methylomes of newborns and centenarians. Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, 2012; 2