Repurposing drugs for healthy aging from human biobanks and validation in animal models
Description: With an increasingly aging population, promoting healthy lifespan (health span) is essential to mitigate the challenges posed by age-related diseases and functional decline. The proposed project aims to identify and validate drugs that will enhance healthy lifespan by combining human biobank data, mechanistic C. elegans lifespan, and mouse aging phenotypic studies. We will analyze prescription and mortality data from the UK Biobank as well as the FinnGen cohorts to identify drugs associated with decreased overall mortality in the general population. We will then validate the most promising compounds in C. elegans for lifespan extension, healthspan improvements, and potential mechanism of action by utilizing genetic mutants and related reporter cell lines. Lastly, the most effective candidates will be assessed for their impact on biomarkers of aging and physiological functions in aged mice. Our approach aims to uncover new pharmacological interventions to extend healthy lifespan in humans, ultimately contributing to preventive measures to extend and improve quality of life in the elderly.
Amount: CHF 419,700
Funding type: research
Funder scheme: Project funding
Start date: 2025-07-01
End date: 2028-06-30
Investigator: Perez, Kevin
Institution: Università della Svizzera italiana – USI
Subfield: Aging
Domain: Life Sciences
Funded outputs count: 1
Funder award ID: 238010
OpenAlex ID: G4844403237