Caloric Restriction-Associated Genes

Caloric restriction (CR), a reduction in calorie intake without malnutrition, retards age-related degeneration and extends life-span in several organisms. CR induces multiple changes, yet its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. To facilitate research on the genetic and molecular mechanisms of CR-induced life-extension, we compiled a list of genes associated with CR. These come from two sources:

  1. Inferred from experiments in model organisms in which genetic manipulations cancel out or disrupt the life-extending effects of CR;
  2. A meta-analysis of microarray CR studies in mammals to identify genes and processes robustly altered due to CR.

Understanding the genetic basis of CR is of great importance not only to the biology of ageing but to understand how diet can influence ageing, longevity, health and age-related diseases. Pharmaceutical interventions that target CR-associated genes are also an emerging area with huge potential.

We are currently building a database based on the above datasets together with a user interface, etc. Once this is finished, you will find on this page: 1) a list of genes in which mutations disrupt or cancel-out the life-extending effects of CR; 2) conserved molecular signatures of CR in mammals. In the meantime, if you wish to obtain these datasets for complementary analyses you are welcome to contact us.

GenDR Database:

Coming soon...

GenDR database at the Human Ageing Genomic Resources.

Comments, suggestions, ideas, and bug reports are welcome. Please contact us.