Comparative Aging

To date, virtually all research on the basic mechanisms of aging has used model species that are short-lived and thus demonstrably unsuccessful at combating basic aging processes. Comparative Aging research leverages a diversity of populations and species, focusing on those with particularly long, healthy lives, in order to study the causative mechanisms that distinguish them from shorter-lived organisms. The Center for Healthy Aging is comprised of affiliated faculty who are experts in translational science and carry out innovative animal-to-human aging studies.

The Center for Healthy Aging is uniquely positioned to study aging in pet dogs due to a partnership with CSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital and their world-renowned veterinary clinical trials program. Pet dogs have lifespans that differ by more than 50% and short- and long-lived dogs are easily distinguished by body size. Moreover, companion dogs live in human environments, develop age-related disease naturally, and have access to health care that is similar to humans; thus, the companion dog is a powerful sentinel model of human aging that is often studied here at the Center.

Researchers:

Lise Aubry
Susan Bailey
Felix Duerr
Nicole Ehrhart
Laurie Goodrich
Kelly Hall
Karyn Hamilton
Tom LaRocca
Candace Mathiason
Kirk McGilvray
Stephanie McGrath
Julie Moreno
Brian Scansen
Kelly Santangelo
Stu Tobet