In this episode of The Genetics Podcast, host Patrick Short talks with Martin Borch Jensen, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Gordian Biotechnology, about his journey into the biology of aging and the innovative approaches his company is using to tackle age-related diseases. They discuss the science behind aging, intermittent fasting, and Gordian's cutting-edge tools for drug development.
From intermittent fasting to tackling the science of aging
Martin shares how an unexpected experience with intermittent fasting during his PhD at the National Institute on Aging sparked his deeper interest in aging biology. This personal experiment, paired with scientific research, shaped his perspective on aging and led him to explore how dietary changes can impact longevity.
Caloric restriction is known to extend lifespan in animals, but Martin explains why it’s difficult to translate these findings to humans. He highlights the challenges in identifying the right "dose" for people and discusses the complex factors—like nutrient sensing and inflammation—that contribute to aging.
Gordian's innovative approach and the future of aging research
Martin introduces Gordian Biotechnology’s in vivo screening technology, designed to identify treatments for age-related diseases like heart failure and fibrosis. By using advanced animal models that closely mimic human conditions, Gordian aims to test potential therapies in a natural, disease-relevant environment.
One of the biggest challenges, Martin notes, is finding reliable biomarkers to measure the success of anti-aging interventions. He also discusses the future potential of performing more experiments in silico to reduce reliance on animal testing, and how biomarkers could speed up drug discovery by being integrated into clinical trials.
Summary
This episode examines the cutting-edge science of aging and Gordian's work in developing treatments for age-related diseases. Martin offers insight into the complexity of aging research and the potential for new technologies to transform drug development and human health. Listen here:
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