The interface of regeneration and aging: zebrafish regeneration requires elevated anti-aging mechanisms (C04)

• Subject Area: Developmental Biology
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 450627322

In contrast to adult mammals, zebrafish can regenerate their heart. Replication stress is one reason for declining tissue regeneration in aged mammals. Surprisingly, our preliminary data show that zebrafish cardiomyocyte regeneration occurs despite widespread replication stress, which is alleviated by Bone Morphogenetic Protein signaling, a function that is conserved in human stem cells. In this project we will further test the idea that zebrafish regeneration can be used to identify pathways that have “anti-aging” activity in humans.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1506: Aging at Interfaces
• Applicant Institution: Universität Ulm
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Gilbert Weidinger