URMC / University of Rochester Aging Institute / Research / Rochester Aging Research (RoAR) Center

Rochester Aging Research (RoAR) Center

The naked mole rat is a small rodent that lives 10 times longer than a typical laboratory mouse.
Gorbunova and Seluanov Labs at the RoAR Center study the naked mole rat because it is the longest lived rodent that is also cancer resistant.
The blind mole rat is an exceptionally long-lived and cancer-resistant rodent studied by RoAR faculty Drs. Gorbunova and Seluanov.
Fruit flies visualizing antioxidant activity
The Fruit Fly Drosophila, a genetically tractable model organism for aging research
C. elegans adult male (top) and hermaphrodite (bottom)

The RoAR Center brings together investigators engaged in basic and translational aging research at the University of Rochester and surrounding geographical areas. The Center provides support for innovative and collaborative research into the mechanisms that promote longevity, extend life span and health span by modifying the aging process.

Research Areas

Aging, Regeneration and Stem cells
Studies of Naturally Long-Lived and Cancer-Resistant Animal Species
Immune Responses and Vaccination in Older Adults
Oxidative Stress in Aging and Disease
Metabolism and Aging
Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias

Models

Models include: Mouse, naked mole rat, blind mole rat, drosophila, C. elegans, yeast, cell culture

Directors

Vera Gorbunova, Ph.D.

Doris Johns Cherry Professor of Biology and Medicine
Dr. Gorbunova studies exceptionally
long-lived and cancer-proof animals,
such as naked mole rats, with the goal
of applying this knowledge to improve
human health.

(585) 275-7740
vera.gorbunova@rochester.edu

Andrei Seluanov, Ph.D.

Professor of Biology and Medicine
Dr. Seluanov's research focus is on understanding the mechanisms of longevity and cancer resistance.

(585) 275-6636
andrei.seluanov@rochester.edu