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Of birds and bees: membrane lipids and the determination of maximum lifespan

Grant


Scheme

  • Discovery Projects

Abstract

  • All animals age and die but the basis of this universal process is not understood. Recent Australian research suggests the fat composition of cell membranes is fundamental in determining the maximum possible lifespan for a species. Birds are longer-living than mammals and have a different membrane composition. Queen honeybees are genetically identical to worker bees and have a different membrane composition. While queens live for years, workers live only weeks. We will investigate if membrane composition can explain the longevity difference between birds and mammals, and examine if manipulation of dietary fat can extend the lifespan of worker bees.

Date/time Interval

  • 2008

Contributor

Sponsor Award Id

  • DP0879261

Local Award Id

  • 9661

Contributor

Scheme

  • Discovery Projects

Abstract

  • All animals age and die but the basis of this universal process is not understood. Recent Australian research suggests the fat composition of cell membranes is fundamental in determining the maximum possible lifespan for a species. Birds are longer-living than mammals and have a different membrane composition. Queen honeybees are genetically identical to worker bees and have a different membrane composition. While queens live for years, workers live only weeks. We will investigate if membrane composition can explain the longevity difference between birds and mammals, and examine if manipulation of dietary fat can extend the lifespan of worker bees.

Date/time Interval

  • 2008

Contributor

Sponsor Award Id

  • DP0879261

Local Award Id

  • 9661

Contributor