What makes a good model system to study biological processes?
Commonly used Model Systems
S. cerevisiae
C. elegans
D. melanogaster
M. musculus
Life span vs. health span research
Existing models shaped the course of the field - what has been done and what should be done in the future?
Other model organisms
Killifish: very short lifespan, broad spectrum of age-related changes
Planarians: hight regeneration capacity, contain pluripotent adult stem cells
Naked mole rat: extremely long-lived, highly cancer resistant
Blind mole rat: extremely long-lived, highly cancer resistant
Cave fish: seasonal food availability, metabolic adaptations
Hydra: extremely long lifespan, constant rate of death over time
Rat: Initial observation that caloric restriction extends lifespan by up to 33%
Bowhead whale?: longest-lived mammal
Last changed2 years ago
