Jie Zheng, Queen's University

Differential patterns of apoptosis in response to aging in Drosophila

Cell death (or apoptosis) may contribute to aging and the associated functional declines. Ms. Zheng's study examines cell death during Drosophila (the common fruit fly) aging and validates the use of this model organism to confirm her hypothesis and identify possible interventions to delay aging and the accompanying impairments affecting the quality of life of the elderly.

Ms. Zheng examined the amount and location of cell death across the lifespan to show that, as is the case with humans, aging in fruit flies is coupled with a life-long gradual increase of cell death within muscle cells.

Her research shows that cell death increases gradually within muscle cells during aging and likely contributes to the loss of muscle mass and the decline of locomotor function with age. Her findings prompt further studies to develop interventions that will delay this decline and prolong the autonomy of the elderly.

According to her, this project allowed her to master many cutting-edge and advanced techniques. It also furthered her understanding of theoretical and technical aspects of aging studies. This kind of experience will help her to become an expert in the field of aging research.

Ms. Zheng is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Biology at Queen's University under the supervision of Dr. Laurent Seroude. She hopes to apply for a post-doctoral position after her graduation in order to become a successful scientist in the area of aging research.