Caloric Restriction Research: New Perspectives on the Biology of Aging

Extract

The beneficial longevity effect of a simple reduction in calorie intake was first established in rodent studies more than 80 years ago (1). In the interim, the caloric restriction (CR) paradigm has gone from being a curious phenomenon of limited value to being recognized as a highly informative research tool with which we might enhance our understanding of the complex biology of aging (2). In the last few decades as genetic techniques have advanced we have seen considerable progress in identifying cellular and systemic processes that likely contribute to the increase in disease vulnerability that is associated with aging (3,4). Traditionally, these insights have come from studies of short-lived laboratory animals, but the recent confirmation of the relevance of the CR paradigm to primates has placed renewed emphasis on studies that delve into the mechanisms of delayed aging by CR (5). The principle of GeroScience is that aging itself is a worthy target for intervention: if aging can be offset then age-related vulnerability to diseases and disorders such as cancer, heart disease, frailty, and neurodegeneration, would be postponed and attenuated (6). If we could understand how CR exerts its effects to prolong health and delay mortality we will surely be able to identify key regulatory nodes involved in countering the causative factors in aging that lead to morbidity and mortality. In this special issue, we have collected a series of primary papers and reviews showcasing the breadth of CR research, including studies from the simple unicellular yeast to humans. Each model brings its own strengths and together CR studies continue to provide unique insights into aging biology.