Pamela  Larsen, Ph.D.

What biological mechanisms govern adult health and life span? Genetic and environment components contribute to a long healthy life. The longevity manipulations we use in C. elegans are: 1) mutation of the daf-2 gene, which is homologous to insulin/IGF1 signaling pathways, and 2) cultivation at a cool temperature. Both cooler core body temperatures and reduction of the daf-2/insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway are pro-survival in multiple species including humans. We are defining environment by genotype interactions that alter gene transcription (epigenetics) and then testing the functional contribution to adult health and life span. For this our studies include different genotypes at different non-stress-inducing temperatures. We have found that health can be uncoupled from long life. Environmental changes trigger beneficial and detrimental responses. By associating molecular signatures with phenotypes, we can better predict adult health and life span outcomes in different genotypes and environments.

The figure shows results from a neurological exam we did on individuals each day from when they were healthy middle-aged adults. In wild type, we find locomotion slows with age and a small number become paralyzed when old. When we inhibit our candidate adaptive response, we see nearly all show progressive paralysis and yet the life span is not significantly shorter.

• Professional Background

  Education

  • 1986 - PhD - Microbiology - Vanderbilt University
  • 1981 - BS - Microbiology - Colorado State University
  • Postdoctoral Fellowship - Biological Sciences - University of Missouri
  • Postdoctoral Fellowship - Biology - Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Appointments

  • 12/2002 - Associate Professor - University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Cellular & Structural Biology, San Antonio
  • 12/2002 - Faculty Member and Not Applicable - University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Barshop Institute, San Antonio

• Instruction & Training

  • 1/2016 - Present, CSBL6072 Presentation Skills, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
  • 11/2015 - Present, Membership on Supervising Committee, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
  • 8/2013 - Present, Membership on Supervising Committee, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
  • 8/2007 - Present, Seminar, The University of Texas Health Science Center

• Research & Grants

  Grants

  Federal

  Funding Agency NIH Title Effects of Acarbose on C. elegans Status Active Period 7/2015 - 6/2016 Role Principal Investigator Grant Detail