The Role of DNA damage and Repair in Skin Aging (B15*)

• Subject Area: Cell Biology
• Term: from 2017 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 73111208

We will characterize the role of DNA damage in skin aging, using unique mouse mutants carrying defects in DNA repair systems, displaying features of accelerated aging. The contribution of systemic and tissue-specific factors, stem cells, stress-induced terminal differentiation, cell death and cellular senescence will be dissected using transgenic mouse models. Since we have uncovered a dietary restriction that spectacularly extends life span and improves health of the mouse models we will further investigate interventions which prevent, delay or even partly revert skin aging.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 829: Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Skin Homeostasis
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Head: Professor Jan Hoeijmakers, Ph.D.