Aging population has become a burden to the society as they put pressure on the healthcare system.
Key topics
Despite of rapid advance in aging research, very little is known about how precisely the aging processes are regulated. Recent study has indicated that human may have a definite lifespan. However, how could we reach to our maximal lifespan without much health problem is still a mystery. Recent works have revealed that several important pathways are involved in regulating our aging processes. There are several hall marks of aging ranging from genome integrity to cell communications (Cell, 2013). Genetic and epigenetic have been shown to contribute to aging/longevity. Many of the pathways previously seem to be independent are now considered to be interconnected. Genes that affect lifespan and longevity have been identified. Stem cells are now considered to have significant influences on ageing. Metabolism is the key of aging. Intervention in metabolism such as inhibiting mTOR pathway has a significant impact to aging in all animal species tested. Clinical application also show promising results. Research also reveals the link between genomic maintenance, senescence, ageing and tumorigenesis, etc.. Academias in Hong Kong have been actively involved in aging research from various different angles such as genomic maintenance, stem cells, epigenetics and metabolism. This workshop aims to bring renowned scientists to update the most recent advances in aging research, to promote aging research in Hong Kong and foster close collaboration, and to identify important scientific questions in aging research.