Screen Potential Herbal Medicines for Life Extension and Investigate Their Molecular Mechanisms( I )

Aging is a universal process for almost all multicellular organisms that coincides with increased morbidity and mortality. Aging is the major risk factor for aged-related diseases, including obesity, type II diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. The ROC Minister of the Interior estimated that the number of people suffering from aged-related diseases is anticipated to more than double over the next two decades. The molecular mechanisms underlying lifespan and age-related are overlapping. Therefore, screening for drugs or dietary regimens which can extend lifespan is a key to improve the treatment of age-related diseases. The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been used extensively to study the fundamental processes of aging and age-related study. We have identified one TCM single herb, Psoralea corylifolia has great potential to increase lifespan. Furthermore, we purified twenty-two of pure compounds from Psoralea corylifolia and found that one of the compounds, corylin, extend replicative lifespan (RLS) in yeast. Therefore, in this project, we will investigate the molecular mechanisms of corylin in lifespan extension in yeast. Next, we will identify the molecular mechanisms to increase lifespan in mammalian cells. Finally, we will investigate the roles of corylin in mouse models. The main purpose of this project is the screening and identification of natural products/health foods that could achieve human healthy aging, where improved longevity is coupled to a corresponding health span extension.

Project ID:PC10907-1319
External Project ID:MOST109-2628-B182-007