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Scripps Research Joint Appointments

Faculty, Kellogg School of Science and Technology

Research Focus

Over a century of research on the fruit fly has resulted in profound discoveries in basic cellular processes, and has enabled the use of Drosophila as a model for human disease and drug discovery. Our laboratory uses diverse tools in chemistry and biology to dissect genetic pathways that are involved in health and aging. We are currently involved in two major directions:

1. Interactions of symbiotic microorganisms with Drosophila
   The presence of bacteria during fly lifespan can promote longevity. Our studies will establish the molecular relationship between the fly microbiome, nutrition, and host health and aging. Projects include phylogenetic and genomic studies, analyses of host and bacterial gene expression, and genetic manipulation of candidate host mechanisms for modulating the gut microbiota.
2. Genetic pathways involved with aging and nutrition
   We have identified candidate genes that modify lifespan in response to nutrition, mimicking the effects of dietary restriction. The mechanistic analysis of these genetic pathways includes application of large-scale methods (metabolomics, lipidomics) and gene expression studies on Drosophila mutants. We are also investigating small molecule-modulators of mitochondrial function in cell culture models of aging.

Education

B.S., Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, 1998
Ph.D., Chemistry, California Institute of Technology, 2004

Awards & Professional Activities

2008-2013 NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) 2007 DeLill Nasser Award for Professional Development in Genetics 2005-2006 John Douglas French Alzheimer's Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship 2004 Glenn Foundation/American Federation for Aging Research Scholarship 1998-2001 DOD National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship 1998 Erich O. and Elly M. Saegebarth Prize in Chemistry 1998 Waldo Semon Undergraduate Research Award 1997-1998 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship

Selected References

Ja WW, Carvalho GB, Zid BM, Mak EM, Benzer S (2009) Water- and nutrient-dependent effects of dietary restriction on Drosophila lifespan. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 106, 18633-18637.

Ja WW, Carvalho GB, Madrigal M, Roberts RW, Benzer S (2009) The Drosophila G protein-coupled receptor, Methuselah, exhibits a promiscuous response to peptides. Protein Sci. 18, 2203-2208.

Ja WW, West AP Jr., Delker S., Bjorkman PJ, Benzer S, Roberts RW (2007) Extension of Drosophila melanogaster life span using a GPCR peptide inhibitor. Nature Chem. Biol. 3, 415-419.

Ja WW, Carvalho GB, Mak EM, de la Rosa NN, Fang AY, Liong JC, Brummel T, Benzer S (2007) Prandiology of Drosophila and the CAFÉ assay. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 104, 8253-8256.

Links

Super Fruit Fly May Lead To Healthier Humans; Aging Slowed With Single Protein

Methuselah antagonist extends life span