Intermittent Fasting, Microbiota Dynamics and Aging

• Applicant: Dr. Sandra Koch
• Subject Area: Developmental Biology
• Term: from 2016 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 319077599

Aging is characterized by a growing risk of disease and death. Dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota has been implicated in aging and a growing number of human disorders. Moreover, there is an emerging understanding that the interplay between the microbiota and the host can impact the efficacy of anti-aging interventions. Therefore, a better understanding of host/microbe interactions during aging will be necessary to develop effective treatments to prolong healthy lifespan (healthspan). Previous work, from the host laboratory, has shown that alterations in microbiota dynamics contribute to and also predict varying rates of health decline during Drosophila aging. Intermittent fasting (IF) has been shown to slow aging and delay the onset of disease (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer) in diverse organisms including yeast, mice and humans. However, the relationships between IF, microbiota dynamics and aging are poorly understood. The studies outlined herein aim to provide insight into the relationships between IF, the microbiota, intestinal homeostasis and healthspan. In preliminary work, we have developed a Drosophila model of IF-mediated lifespan extension. Here, we will investigate whether the anti-aging effects of IF are influenced by the presence or composition of the microbiota. Moreover, we will investigate the effects of IF on metabolic and inflammatory pathways and epithelial homeostasis in the aging intestine. Finally, we will investigate whether IF, when administered in mid-life or late-life, can reverse intestinal dysbiosis. These results may lead to new therapeutic approaches to delay the onset and progression of age-related diseases in humans.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: David Walker, Ph.D.