URMC / The RoAR Center

Welcome to the Rochester Aging Research (RoAR) Center

The naked mole rat is a small rodent that lives 10 times longer than a typical laboratory mouse.
Gorbunova and Seluanov Labs at the RoAR Center study the naked mole rat because it is the longest lived rodent that is also cancer resistant.
The blind mole rat is an exceptionally long-lived and cancer-resistant rodent studied by RoAR faculty Drs. Gorbunova and Seluanov.
Fruit flies visualizing antioxidant activity
The Fruit Fly Drosophila, a genetically tractable model organism for aging research
C. elegans adult male (top) and hermaphrodite (bottom)

The RoAR Center brings together investigators engaged in basic and translational aging research at the University of Rochester and surrounding geographical areas. The Center provides support for innovative and collaborative research into the mechanisms that promote longevity. It also organizes activities to foster scientific interactions, including retreats, seminar series, and the annual Aging Research Day.

Our Goals

Understand basic mechanisms that determine longevity.
Develop strategies to extend lifespan and health span by modifying the aging process.
Develop interventions to prevent and treat illnesses associated with aging.
Develop approaches to enhance the quality of life in older adults and optimize independence while reducing costs of care.
Make UR a leader nationally and internationally in aging research.