Exploring mechanisms of aging retardation by caloric restriction: Studies in model organisms and mammals

Abstract

There has been expanding interest in research on aging and in the identification of underlying mechanisms of the aging process. The promise that by understanding aging we may also understand the factors that lead to age-Associated disease has been held for some time and now, through the use of model organisms, this potential is being realized. A key subgroup within this gamut are investigations that seek to understand the impact of nutrition and diet on aging, and foremost among these are studies of caloric restriction (CR). Herein, we discuss a number of commonly used laboratory organisms, describe the methodology employed to study aging and the impact of nutrition, briefly discuss the main findings from these studies and present candidate factors emerging from these studies that may play a mechanistic role in the retardation of aging by CR. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.