In Dr. Sinclair’s lab, you’ll analyze a newly discovered master regulator of aging and cancer. Mice that are fed fewer calories age more slowly and are protected from diseases such as osteoporosis, stroke and cancer. Using simple baker’s yeast as a model for this process, Dr. Sinclair’s lab has identified a master regulatory gene. This lab experience will involve feeding yeast fewer calories and watching the longevity gene being switched on using a high-powered light microscope. You will then monitor where the longevity protein is localized in the cell and test cells that have been engineered to be long-lived. You will also get to examine human cells that are aging in culture. 
 
 
 
 

Related Links

• Sinclair Laboratory
• Pathology Department at Harvard Medical School
• Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Institute
• Harvard Gazette: Eating your cake, and living longer too
• Science Edges Closer to Fountain of Youth
• FOCUS Article: Cancer Cells' Immortality May Depend on Longevity Protein

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