Aging and cell death

The reseach area "Aging and Cell Death" at the IMB investigates molecular aging processes using various model organisms and in clinical studies. A particular focus is placed on regulated cell death as well as the cellular recycling mechanism, autophagy.

Our research teams are working on the following questions:

What are the molecular causes of aging?
How can we delay or stop aging processes and associated diseases (e.g. Alzheimer's disease)?
Which signaling pathways control cell-protective autophagy?
How can natural cell death processes be used therapeutically (e.g. in aging or in pathogenic fungi)?

Leaders of the working groups

Univ.-Prof. Dr.rer.nat.
Frank Madeo

e-mail:
frank.madeo(at)uni-graz.at

Phone:+43 316 380 - 8878
ORCID iD: ORCID iD: 0000-0002-5070-1329

Madeo group

The Madeo team is investigating the molecular basis of healthy aging. We use multifactorial OMICS data from current clinical studies (e.g., fasting studies) and appropriate cell biological methods to experimentally test the causality of clinical data. Using various model organisms, we investigate cellular processes of healthy aging (e.g. polyamine synthesis, autophagy) in order to develop new, innovative therapeutic options for age-related diseases.

Assoz. Prof. Dipl.-Biochem. Dr.rer.nat.
Tobias Eisenberg

e-mail:
tobias.eisenberg(at)uni-graz.at

Phone:+43 316 380 - 1499
ORCID iD: ORCID iD: 0000-0003-3559-1130

Web: https://molekularbiologie.uni-graz.at/de/labor-tobias-eisenberg/

Eisenberg group

Our group is interested in the interplay between metabolism and autophagy. We use molecular biological, biochemical and cell biological methods to investigate the metabolic control of autophagy, particularly in the context of cell aging. Using different model systems (yeast, flies, mice) up to humans, we investigate in particular the influence of lipid metabolism on autophagy.

Assoz. Prof. Dr.rer.nat.
Didac Carmona-Gutierrez

e-mail:
didac.carmonagutierrez(at)uni-graz.at

Phone:+43 316 380 - 1510
ORCID iD: ORCID iD: 0000-0001-7548-7771

Web: www.uni-graz.at/madeo

Carmona-Gutierrez group

We are investigating regulated cell death in different yeasts in order to achieve different goals. On the one hand, we use baker's yeast(S. cerevisiae) as a model organism to understand processes of cellular aging and to search for age-protective agents. On the other hand, we are investigating pathogenic yeasts (in particular C. albicans) in order to specifically activate regulated cell death pathways and identify new antifungal agents.

Assoz. Prof. Mag. Dr.rer.nat.
Rudolf Christoph Ruckenstuhl

e-mail:
ru.ruckenstuhl(at)uni-graz.at

Phone:+43 316 380 - 1512
ORCID iD: ORCID iD: 0000-0002-4338-4679

Web: https://molekularbiologie.uni-graz.at/de/alterung-zelltod-labor-frank-madeo/

Ruckenstuhl group

Our research on the aging process focuses on the sulphur-containing amino acid methionine, with its involvement in cellular processes such as autophagy, C1 metabolism, polyamine biosynthesis and the cell's own H2Sproduction. In addition, we are interested in the development of multicellular yeast structures and their use in aging and cancer research.