Advancing Research
by funding Grant Programs and Fellowships
Driving Innovation
by guiding studies such as the FAST Initiative, the SuperAgers Initiative, and the TAME Trial
Furthering the Field
by supporting the infrastructure of three NIA Initiatives and leading the Amplifying Geroscience Initiative.
Top Breakthroughs driven by AFAR Experts
Delaying Disease by Targeting Aging
Saving Costs by Extending Healthspan
What are the Hallmarks of Aging?
How and Why Do We Age?
What is Geroscience?
What is the Longevity Dividend?
What's Next in aging research?
Dr. Leiser’s research focuses on the ability of cells and organisms to resist multiple types of stress. Stress resistance is achieved by the activation of genetic stress response pathways that control many aspects of cells and organisms and have been linked with the long-term survival of many animals.
Dr. Leiser and his team are studying a family of enzymes called flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs) that have been linked with metabolism, stress resistance and longevity in model organisms. Interestingly, these proteins are also linked with a disease in humans known as fish odor syndrome, where people are unable to metabolize a specific compound (trimethylamine) and thus smell of fish. FMOs are an ancient family of proteins whose role in health has been underestimated for years. Dr. Leiser’s work will help clarify their role in metabolism, health and longevity in multiple organisms.
