Model Organisms
Model organisms are non-human species that are extensively studied to understand particular biological phenomena, with the expectation that discoveries made in the organism model will provide insight into the workings of other organisms. In longevity research, model organisms are crucial for understanding the mechanisms of aging and developing interventions to extend lifespan and improve healthspan.
Importance in Longevity Research
Model organisms offer several advantages in longevity research:
- Genetic Manipulation: Easy to genetically manipulate, allowing researchers to study the effects of specific genes on aging.
- Short Lifespan: Many have short lifespans, enabling the study of genetic and environmental impacts on aging within a reasonable timeframe.
- Conserved Pathways: They often share many biological pathways with humans, making it possible to translate findings into human aging research.
Common Model Organisms
| Organism | Scientific Name | Lifespan | Use in Research |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yeasts | Saccharomyces cerevisiae | Days | Studying cellular aging, replication, and metabolism |
| Nematodes | Caenorhabditis elegans | 2-3 weeks | Genetic and pharmacological studies in aging |
| Fruit Flies | Drosophila melanogaster | 40-50 days | Genetic regulation of aging and age-related diseases |
| Mice | Mus musculus | 1-2 years | Aging and age-associated diseases research, genetic similarity to humans |
| Zebrafishes | Danio rerio | 3-5 years | Vertebrate development and genetics, including aging processes |
| Rhesus Monkeys | Macaca mulatta | Up to 40 years | Studies relevant for human aging due to close genetic relation |
| Rats | Rattus norvegicus | 2-3 years | Used in a variety of aging studies, including age-related diseases and neurobiology |