Join Dr. Matt Kaeberlein, a leading researcher in aging from the University of Washington, as he dives into the fascinating world of anti-aging compounds. They explore the roles of NAD+, metformin, and rapamycin, discussing their potential in extending lifespan. Tune in for insights into aging biomarkers and the challenges in understanding epigenetic clocks. Kaeberlein shares skepticism surrounding commercial aging tests and emphasizes the need for thorough research models to make informed decisions in longevity science.
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insights INSIGHT
Biomarkers of Aging
Aging research lacks a perfect biomarker like ApoB in lipidology.
This makes tracking the impact of interventions more challenging.
insights INSIGHT
Biomarker Development
Humans can estimate biological age by sight but lack precise molecular biomarkers for predicting health outcomes.
Current biomarkers are a work in progress, with ongoing research and commercialization efforts.
insights INSIGHT
Epigenetic Clocks
Epigenetic clocks predict age by measuring chemical modifications to DNA and histones.
Algorithms accurately predict chronological age but their link to biological age and future health needs further research.
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In this “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) episode, Peter is joined by special guest, Dr. Matt Kaeberlein. Together they answer many questions around the field of aging with an emphasis on three specific molecules—NAD, metformin, and rapamycin—and their purported geroprotective qualities. They first discuss aging biomarkers and epigenetic clocks before breaking down the advantages and limitations of the most common experimental models being used today to study aging and pharmacological possibilities for extending lifespan. Next they dive deep into NAD and the much-hyped NAD precursors, nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). They compare data from NAD precursors to studies on metformin and rapamycin, assessing how they stack up against each other and using the comparison as an opportunity to illustrate how to make sense of new experimental data and make smart decisions about how to approach future research.
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We discuss:
Logic behind comparing NAD precursors to rapamycin and metformin [3:40];
Aging biomarkers: current state, usefulness, and future promise [7:00];
Epigenetic clocks: definition, use case, and limitations [14:45];
Advantages and limitations of studying aging in non-humans and the strengths and weaknesses of different model systems [26:30];
Aging studies: importance of control lifespans and the problems with reproducibility [34:15];
Intro to NAD, potential role in aging, relationship to sirtuins, and more [48:15];
NAD precursors (NR and NMN): current data [1:10:00];
Human studies with NAD precursors [1:25:45];
Comparing NAD lifespan data to data from metformin and rapamycin [1:28:30];
Defining a “clean drug” and a “dirty drug” [1:38:00];
Reason for the lack of rapamycin studies in humans compared to NAD and metformin [1:41:00];
Ranking the geroprotective molecules in terms of risk and reward [1:48:00]; and
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