Uploaded August 2022 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Full shownotes: ihmc.us/stemtalk/episode-139
Dr. Matt Kaeberlein is a professor of pathology at the University of Washington well-known for his investigations into the basic mechanisms of aging. Much of his research in this area is focused on identifying interventions that promote healthspan and lifespan.
In this interview, we talk about the biology of aging and what Kaeberlein has learned about slowing the aging process. In 1999, Kaeberlein and his colleague Mitch McVey discovered that overexpression of the SIR2 gene is sufficient to extend lifespan in yeast. SIR stands for silent information regulator, and we have an interesting discussion about how this research and 1999 discovery have elevated SIR2 to the forefront of aging research.
We also discuss investigations rapamycin, the only known pharmacological agent to extend lifespan. Kaeberlein's research has shed new light on the role rapamycin plays in delaying age-related dysfunction in rodents, dogs, and humans.
We also have a fun discussion about his research showing that rapamycin may have the potential to reduce the mortality of companion dogs.
In addition to his work in his Kaeberlein Lab, he is the co-director of the Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging and the founding director of the Healthy Aging and Longevity Research Institute at the University of Washington. He also is the founder and co-director of the Dog Aging Project.
Full shownotes: ihmc.us/stemtalk/episode-139
Dr. Matt Kaeberlein is a professor of pathology at the University of Washington well-known for his investigations into the basic mechanisms of aging. Much of his research in this area is focused on identifying interventions that promote healthspan and lifespan.
In this interview, we talk about the biology of aging and what Kaeberlein has learned about slowing the aging process. In 1999, Kaeberlein and his colleague Mitch McVey discovered that overexpression of the SIR2 gene is sufficient to extend lifespan in yeast. SIR stands for silent information regulator, and we have an interesting discussion about how this research and 1999 discovery have elevated SIR2 to the forefront of aging research.
We also discuss investigations rapamycin, the only known pharmacological agent to extend lifespan. Kaeberlein's research has shed new light on the role rapamycin plays in delaying age-related dysfunction in rodents, dogs, and humans.
We also have a fun discussion about his research showing that rapamycin may have the potential to reduce the mortality of companion dogs.
In addition to his work in his Kaeberlein Lab, he is the co-director of the Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging and the founding director of the Healthy Aging and Longevity Research Institute at the University of Washington. He also is the founder and co-director of the Dog Aging Project.
