The role of GCN2 in somatic maintenance and ageing

Ageing is thought to occur because our cells accumulate damage over time. We do not yet know which type of damage is responsible for ageing, but we do know that our diet can affect the rate of damage accumulation and as a result our lifespan. Dietary protein, which is made up of amino acids, is especially important. My research explores how fruit flies stay alive when certain amino acids are removed from their diet, which improves our understanding of how lifespan is regulated by nutrition.