Faculty Profile

Valter Longo, Ph.D.

Edna M. Jones Professor of Gerontology

Professor of Biological Sciences

Research

Cell Biology and genetics
Regulation of aging and multiple stress resistance systems in yeast and mammals
Alzheimer’s Disease.
Cancer
Diabetes

Overview

Dr. Longo is the Edna Jones Professor in Gerontology and Professor in Biological Science. He is also the Director of the USC Longevity Institute. He is interested in understanding the fundamental mechanisms of aging in yeast, mice and humans by using genetics and biochemistry techniques. He is also interested in identifying the molecular pathways conserved from simple organisms to humans that can be modulated to protect against multiple stresses and treat or prevent cancer , Alzheimer’s Disease and other diseases of aging. The focus is on the signal transudation pathways that regulate resistance to oxidative damage in yeast and mice.

Courses Taught

Bisc 461 Seminar in Molecular and Computational Biology (2, max 4, FaSp) Topical seminar in molecular and computational biology. Junior, senior or graduate standing.

GERO 498 Nutrition, Genes, Longevity and Diseases (4, Sm) Examines the role of nutrition and genes and the impact each has on longevity and diseases, particularly diseases related to aging. Offered in Genoa, Italy.