POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW - Kapahi Laboratory
POSITION SUMMARY:
The focus of the Kapahi Laboratory is to identify and characterize the genetic pathways that mediate effects on lifespan, age-related diseases and metabolism. This is being achieved by using an interdisciplinary approach combining genetic, biochemical and genomic techniques in invertebrate model systems C. elegans, D. melanogaster and human cells. In particular the lab is following their discovery that downstream of the TOR pathway, modulation of mRNA translation and ER stress, modulates lifespan and metabolism. We are currently combining polysomal profiling and microarrays to investigate translationally regulated genes that modulate longevity and age-related diseases. The broader significance of this research is to help uncover the role of nutrition in the etiology of age-related human diseases like diabetes, obesity, cancer and neurodegeneration. Candidates with interest and experience in C. elegans model systems are encouraged to apply. The candidate will receive training in specific area(s) of research with the aim of progressing towards an independent career.
http://www.buckinstitute.org/TheScience/KapahiLab/
Pkapahi@buckinstitute.org
Selected publications
- Zid BM, Rogers A, Katewa SD, Au Lu T, Benzer S, Kapahi P. 4E-BP modulates lifespan and mitochondrial translation upon dietary restriction in Drosophila. Cell (2009).
- Chen, D; Thomas E L; Kapahi P. HIF-1 Modulates Dietary Restriction-mediated Lifespan Extension via IRE-1 in C. elegans. PLOS Genetics
- Bell R; Hubbard A; Chettier R; Chen D; Miller J P; Kapahi P; Tarnopolsky M; Sahasrabuhde S; Melov S; Hughes R E. A human protein interaction network shows conservation of aging processes between human and invertebrate species. PLoS Genetics 2009 5(3): e1000414
- Chen D, Pan KZ, Palter JE, Kapahi P. Longevity determined by developmental arrest genes in Caenorhabditis elegans. Aging Cell, 2007, 6: 525-533.
- Pan KZ, Palter JE, Rogers AN, Olsen A, Chen D, Lithgow GJ, Kapahi P. Inhibition of mRNA translation extends lifespan in C. elegans. Aging Cell 2007:111-119.
- Rogers AN & Kapahi P. Genetic mechanisms of lifespan extension by dietary restriction. Drug Discovery Today: Disease Mechanisms, 2006 3:5-10.
The Buck Institute is the only independent institute in the U.S. devoted solely to research on aging and age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and stroke. Our mission is to increase the healthspan, the healthy years of life. Awarded a federal grant to establish interdisciplinary research in a new field called Geroscience, Buck scientists work in a unique, collaborative environment that allows scientists to initiate studies quickly and respond to new opportunities in fields such as stem cell research and regenerative medicine. Our scientists represent a variety of complementary fields, including genetics, epigenetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioenergetics, age-associated disease; and technological disciplines such as genomics, proteomics, protein interaction networks and bio-informatics. The Buck Institute has an excellent postdoctoral research program.
The Buck Institute, which was designed by world famous architect I.M. Pei, is located in Novato, California, 25 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. The Buck Institute provides a collaborative environment - both science and social activities.