Seminar | Genetic Mapping of Aging Metabolism: Targets and Transitions Across Species.

2026-02-12

Johan Auwerx

On February 10, 2026, Professor Johan Auwerx from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) presented “Genetic Mapping of Aging Metabolism: Targets and Transitions Across Species.” The talk detailed the use of systems genetics to decode the molecular mechanisms governing metabolic homeostasis and longevity.

Professor Auwerx demonstrated how mouse genetic reference populations, such as the BXD and the Healthspan Diversity Population (HDP), enable the identification of conserved pathways through multi-omic integration. A key highlight was the discovery that modulating the Mrps5 gene triggers a mitochondrial stress response (MSR) that promotes cellular repair and extends lifespan. Professor Auwerx further explained that pharmacological agents, including NAD+ precursors and specific antibiotics, can induce this beneficial stress response to mitigate metabolic decline and age-related pathologies.

The presentation also addressed the complex relationship between body weight and mortality, noting that while high body weight is a risk factor in early life, it can exert a protective effect in the elderly. Finally, Professor Auwerx introduced the "Healthspan Diversity Project"， which utilizes machine learning and behavioral tracking to develop "digital twins". This initiative aims to predict individual aging trajectories and establish precise windows for therapeutic intervention.

About the speaker

Johan Auwerx is a professor at the EPFL, where he holds the Nestlé Chair in Energy Metabolism. A pioneer in systems genetics, Professor Auwerx has decoded how transcriptional regulators and cofactors function as energy sensors to maintain metabolic homeostasis. His research was instrumental in the development of nuclear receptor agonists for treating type 2 diabetes and the clinical application of natural compounds such as resveratrol. An elected member of EMBO and a highly cited scholar, Professor Auwerx has received numerous honors, including the Minkowski Prize and the Danone International Nutrition Award. He holds an MD and PhD from KU Leuven and co-founded several biotechnology companies, including Mitobridge.