Understanding markers for extending life and developing therapies to enhance health span is crucial in the field of aging biology.
Slowing down the aging process could significantly impact disease prevention and treatment, as age-related diseases are closely linked to aging.
Deep dives
The Biology of Aging and Longevity
The podcast episode explores the biology of aging and longevity, discussing the potential impact on individuals and society. The guest, Kristin Fortney, co-founder and CEO of BioAge Labs, shares her interest in aging biology and how she started her company. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding markers for extending life and the potential of developing therapies to enhance health span. Examples of promising research in this field, such as the discovery of a protein called Apelin and its correlation with improved muscle and cognitive function, are discussed.
The Potential Impact on Disease
The podcast episode highlights aging as a significant risk factor for various diseases and emphasizes the potential impact of slowing down the aging process on disease prevention and treatment. Fortney discusses how age-related diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's are closely linked to the process of aging. The conversation explores the concept of extending health span rather than just lifespan and the potential for small molecule interventions to add healthy years to human life. The concept of targeting multiple factors in the aging process to delay the onset of age-related diseases is also mentioned.
Research Approaches and Findings
The episode provides insights into the research approaches and findings related to aging and longevity. Fortney mentions the use of human data sets from biobanks to identify molecular markers and pathways associated with healthy aging. Examples include the identification of the protein Apelin as a potential biomarker for improved muscle and cognitive function in older individuals. The conversation emphasizes the importance of conducting preclinical experiments, such as mouse studies, to understand the effects of potential interventions on aging and disease. It also highlights the potential future application of rejuvenation factors and the ongoing research in this area.
Personal Habits and Recommendations
In the podcast episode, Fortney shares her personal habits and recommendations related to aging and longevity. She mentions her preference for drinking coffee, citing the positive associations between coffee consumption and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Fortney also mentions intermittent fasting as part of her routine, particularly practicing a form of fasting that involves skipping breakfast a couple of days a week. She discusses the importance of engaging with researchers and attending conferences to learn about the latest developments in aging biology and to better understand the nuances and potential of different research approaches.
In this cross-over episode from Bio Eats World, Kristen Fortney, cofounder and CEO of BioAge, joins Vijay Pande, founding partner of a16z Bio + Health, and Olivia Webb, editorial lead, to discuss the biology of aging, how she started a company, and some fun things — like how long a hypothetical venture capitalist can expect to live.
Resources:
Greg Egan, whose writing inspired Kristen, has a list of his books on his website
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
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