The Science Behind Why We Age | Episode 1

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.

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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

Links:

• Weapon fragments in bowhead whales 
• Rapamycin extends lifespan in mice 
• Targeting Aging with Metformin (TAME) Trial
• Metformin improves healthspan and lifespan in mice 
• Metformin reduces all-cause mortality 
• Reprogramming to restore vision
• DNA methylation age 
• Genome-wide methylation profiles & human aging rates 
• Reversal of epigenetic aging in humans
• Danish twins study

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.