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University of Rochester Aging Institute

Research

URMC / University of Rochester Aging Institute / Research / Rochester Aging Research (RoAR) Center

Rochester Aging Research (RoAR) Center

  • Naked mole rat

    The naked mole rat is a small rodent that lives 10 times longer than a typical laboratory mouse.

  • Naked mole rat

    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.

  • Blind mole rat

    The blind mole rat is an exceptionally long-lived and cancer-resistant rodent studied by RoAR faculty Drs. Gorbunova and Seluanov.

  • Fruit flies

    Fruit flies visualizing antioxidant activity

  • Fruit flies

    The Fruit Fly Drosophila, a genetically tractable model organism for aging research

  • Worms

    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, extend life span and health span by modifying the aging process. 

Research Areas

  • Aging, Regeneration and Stem cells
  • Studies of Naturally Long-Lived and Cancer-Resistant Animal Species
  • Immune Responses and Vaccination in Older Adults
  • Oxidative Stress in Aging and Disease
  • Metabolism and Aging
  • Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias

Models

Models include: Mouse, naked mole rat, blind mole rat, drosophila, C. elegans, yeast, cell culture

Directors

Vera Gorbunova, Ph.D.

Vera Gorbunova, Ph.D.

Professor of Biology and Oncology
Doris Johns Cherry Professor of Biology and Medicine
Dr. Gorbunova studies exceptionally
long-lived and cancer-proof animals,
such as naked mole rats, with the goal
of applying this knowledge to improve
human health.

(585) 275-7740
vera.gorbunova@rochester.edu

Dirk Bohmann, Ph.D.

Dirk Bohmann, Ph.D.

Professor of Biomedical Genetics
Donald M. Foster, MD Professor of Biomedical Genetics
Dr. Bohmann studies the fundamental
causes of aging and age-associated
diseases, at the level of genes
and molecules, to find ways to
stay healthy longer.

(585) 273-1446
dirk_bohmann@urmc.rochester.edu