The Hsu laboratory studies genetics and cell biology of aging using C. elegans as a model organism. Current projects have been focused on unraveling the role of Heat-shock Factor (HSF) in specifying longevity, stress resistance, and the onset of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Another research focus of his group is to identify genes that are responsible for the longevity response to dietary restriction. Finally, his group is also working on developing new therapeutic agents that can delay the rate of aging using the C. elegans model.
M. Hansen*,A.-L. Hsu*, A. Dillin, and C. Kenyon (2005) “New Genes Tied to Endocrine, Metabolic and Dietary Regulation of Longevity in C. elegans.”, PLOS Genetics, 1, 119-134. (* These authors contributed equally.)
A.-L. Hsu, C. Murphy, and C. Kenyon (2003) “Regulation of Aging and Age-Related Diease by DAF-16 and Heat-Shock Factor.”, Science, 300, 1142-1145.
A. Dillin, A.-L. Hsu, N. Arantes-Oliveira, J. Lehrer-Graiwer, H. Hsin, A.G. Fraser, R.S. Kamath, J. Ahringer, and C. Kenyon (2002) “Rates of Behavior and Aging Specified by Mitochondrial Function During Development.”, Science, 298, 2398-401 ; published online Dec. 5 2002 (10.1126/science.1077780).
D. Garigan, A.-L. Hsu, A.G. Fraser, R.S. Kamath, J. Ahringer, and C. Kenyon (2002). “Genetic Analysis of Tissue Aging in C. elegans: Heat-shock Factor Prevents Progeria and Proliferating Bacteria Kill the Animal.”, Genetics, 161, 1101-1112.
Ao-Lin Hsu, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Molecular & Integrative Physiology. He received his Ph.D. degree in Medicinal Chemistry from University of Kentucky , College of Pharmacy in December 2000. After postdoctoral studies at University of California , San Francisco from 2001-2004, he joined the faculty of University of Michigan in 2004. His laboratory works on the regulation of longevity by Heat-shock transcription factor, the effect of dietary restriction on the rate of aging, and the development of drugs that affect the rate of aging. Dr. Hsu is a recipient of the Ellison Medical Foundation, New Scholar Award in Aging (2005).
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