What Dogs Are Teaching Us About Aging, with Daniel Promislow
Apr 4, 2024
auto_awesome
Prof. Daniel Promislow discusses the Dog Aging Project, revealing how biology and environment impact dogs' health and lifespan. The study offers insights into human aging. Topics include the genetic basis of size, insulin growth factor one gene, cognitive dysfunction, and longevity enhancement with Rapa Mice.
Research on dogs aging provides insights into human aging processes and biomarkers for aging-related diseases.
Genetic variations, environment, lifestyle, and interventions like Rapamycin impact canine health and longevity.
Deep dives
Understanding Dog Aging and Human Aging
The research delves into understanding how dogs age to gain insights into human aging processes. It highlights the similarities in aging patterns and physiological changes observed in both dogs and humans. By studying aging in dogs, researchers aim to uncover biomarkers that could enhance diagnosis and treatment of aging-related diseases for both species.
Exploring Genetic and Environmental Factors in Aging
The study investigates the impact of genetic and environmental factors on aging in dogs. It discusses the genetic variations influencing aging-related diseases in different dog breeds, offering a unique opportunity to identify risk factors relevant to human aging. Additionally, the research explores how socialization, exercise habits, diet, and income levels correlate with canine health and longevity.
Potential Interventions for Healthy Aging
The podcast presents potential interventions for healthy aging, such as a drug called Rapamycin studied in the Dog Aging Project. This drug, known for extending mice lifespan, is tested on large breed dogs to evaluate its effects on healthy aging. Moreover, the episode emphasizes the importance of scientific rigor in assessing longevity-enhancing interventions and advocates personalized approaches to healthcare for enhanced health span.
Every dog owner has faced the hard realization that their dog won’t live as long as they do, but we’ve all probably wondered: Why do some dogs live longer than others? It turns out that several factors are at play, according to the largest research study of dogs, known as The Dog Aging Project.
Prof. Daniel Promislow of the University of Washington is co-director of the project, which examines how biology, lifestyle and environment can increase both the health and lifespan of more than 50,000 dogs. We spoke with Promislow about whether we can help our dogs live longer—and what their research could actually teach humans about aging.