Project design
The aging project has been broken out into five core groups. Each group works closely to support the Jackson Aging Center.
The Phenome Core
Managed by Rong Yuan and supervised by Bev Paigen. the Phenome core has two aims:
- To carry out a longitudinal study on 32 strains of mice measuring lifespan on 32 males and 64 females. This will include multiple non-invasive measures of neurological function, cognitive function, function of major organ systems, hormones, weight, and body composition at 6 month intervals. These data will be publicly available in the Mouse Phenome Database (MPD) as a major resource for researchers in aging and can be correlated with lifespan, with each other and with the hundreds of other measurements on the same strains of mice in MPD.
- To carry out a cross-sectional study on the same 32 strains of mice so that all ages (young, middle- aged, and old) are available at the same time. These mice can be
measured with more invasive tests as they will be euthanized. Complete pathology will be done and tissues will be available to outside investigators.
The Computational and Statistical Core
Supervised by Gary Churchill, the computational core supports the data and workflow management of the Phenome Project in the initial phase and will carry out the sophisticated statistical and genetic analysis in the latter phase.
The Development Core
Supervised by Rick Woychik, advised by the internal and external advisory committees, the Development core encourages aging research among the Jackson Laboratory staff by awarding pilot project funds.
The Animal Core
Managed by Rong Yuan and supervised by David E. Harrison, the animal core cares for the large animal colonies needed for the Phenome Core and will also provide for smaller aging colonies among various staff members with specific projects.
The Administrative Core
Supervised by David E. Harrison, the administrative core manages and oversees all the above, with the help of Internal and External Advisory Committees.
