Lifespan with Dr. David Sinclair

The Science Behind Why We Age | Episode 1

Jan 5, 2022

Discover the fascinating science of aging! Dive into the secrets behind extreme longevity in organisms and learn about key genes like mTOR, AMPK, and sirtuins that regulate the aging process. Unravel the concept of 'ex-differentiation' as cells lose their identity. Explore the emerging field of biological age measurement through DNA methylation clocks, offering insights into your health beyond chronological age. Plus, discover the potential of metformin as a game-changer for longevity!

01:02:17

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Quick takeaways

Targeting specific genes and biological processes can control and even reverse aging.

Cellular exdifferentiation plays a key role in age-related diseases like Alzheimer's and Type 2 diabetes.

Advancements in scientific research have led to the development of biological clocks that accurately measure biological age and offer promising possibilities for reversing aging.

Deep dives

Understanding Aging at the Molecular Level

Aging can be controlled and even reversed by targeting specific genes and biological processes. The mTOR gene, for example, plays a role in aging, with lower activity of mTOR associated with longer lifespan in various species. The naked mole rat, for instance, lives over 30 years due to unique molecular traits that protect against aging. Additionally, the DNA methylation pattern, which can be measured in cells, provides an accurate biological age that indicates the rate of aging. With advancements in technology, the cost of measuring biological age is becoming more accessible, allowing individuals to assess whether their lifestyle choices are slowing down aging.

mTOR- The Longevity Gene

01:51

The Reason We Age

04:14

Are We Immortal?

02:00

How Long Does the Moll Rat Live?

03:25

Intro

2min

Understanding Aging and Longevity

5min

Unraveling Aging and Health Sponsorships

4min

Unlocking the Secrets of Longevity

15min

Exploring Metformin: A Miracle Drug for Longevity

1min

Molecular Mechanisms of Aging

14min

Unlocking the Secrets of Aging

19min

The Importance of Health and Longevity

2min

In this episode, Dr. David Sinclair and co-host Matthew LaPlante discuss why we age. In doing so, they discuss organisms that have extreme longevity, the genes that control aging (mTOR, AMPK, Sirtuins), the role of sirtuin proteins as epigenetic regulators of aging, the process of "ex-differentiation" in which cells begin to lose their identity, and how all of this makes up the "Information Theory of Aging", and the difference between "biological age" and "chronological age" and how we can measure biological age through DNA methylation clocks.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Athletic Greens - https://athleticgreens.com/sinclair
InsideTracker - https://insidetracker.com/sinclair
Levels - https://levels.link/sinclair

Our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/davidsinclair

Lifespan book: https://amzn.to/3sUqurT

Dr. David Sinclair Social:

To stay up to date with David's work to democratize biological age testing and insights, visit tallyhealth.com.

Matthew LaPlante's Social:

Twitter

Timestamps:

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:03:14) Goal of the Lifespan Podcast

(00:07:11) Acknowledgement of Sponsors

(00:10:45) Aging is a Controllable Process that can be Slowed & Reversed

(00:16:42) Organisms with Extreme Longevity

(00:21:47) Genes that Regulate Aging: mTOR, AMPK, Sirtuins

(00:21:55) mTOR & Rapamycin

(00:24:33) AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) & Metformin

(00:30:57) Sirtuin Proteins as Epigenetic Regulators of Aging

(00:35:33) Ex-Differentiation

(00:43:30) Measuring Aging - Biological Age vs. Chronological Age

(00:49:30) "No Law That Says We Have To Age"

(00:50:33) Episode Summary & Key Takeaways - Why Do We Age?

(00:54:00) Information Theory of Aging

(00:57:59) Aging is a Medical Condition

(01:01:00) Aging Myths - Telomeres & Antioxidants

(01:01:55) Options for Subscription and Support

For the full show notes, including the peer-reviewed studies, visit the Lifespan podcast website.

Please note that Lifespan with Dr. David Sinclair is distinct from Dr. Sinclair's teaching and research roles at Harvard Medical School. The information provided in this show is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. The Lifespan with Dr. David Sinclair podcast, its employees, guests and affiliates assume no liability for the application of the information discussed.

Special thanks to our research assistants, Adiv Johnson & Sarah Ryan.

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Lifespan with Dr. David Sinclair

The Science Behind Why We Age | Episode 1

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Understanding Aging at the Molecular Level

The Link Between Aging and Age-Related Diseases

Measuring Biological Age and the Potential for Age Reversal

Understanding the Genes that Control Aging

The Importance of Sirtuins in Aging

mTOR- The Longevity Gene

The Reason We Age

Are We Immortal?

How Long Does the Moll Rat Live?

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts