Presenter
Peter Lidsky
Prof. Peter Lidsky received his MS and PhD training in virology at Moscow State University, where his research focused on virus-host interactions in Picornaviruses. He then transitioned to the University of Zurich to develop tools and probes for fluorescent imaging in the Drosophila model. Finally, at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), he combined his expertise in virology and genetics to build a versatile research program. Notably, at UCSF, he developed the “pathogen control” hypothesis of aging, which forms the foundation of his current research interests. His research focuses on the evolution of aging and diseases, with notable publications in journals such as Trends in Ecology and Evolution, Biochemistry (Moscow), and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS). His work explores the relationship between infectious diseases and life history theory, as well as the evolutionary aspects of aging and its potential as a pathogen control strategy.
Abstract:
Aging is an evolutionary paradox. We know that bad things happen to organisms as they age, but what exactly happens and why remains obscure. However, to cure aging, we must know its nature. Like curing every disease, we must know the diagnosis before starting the treatment. Our evolutionary model suggests that aging evolved as an adaptive mechanism to control the spread of pathogens. The pathogen control model of aging is based on trivial assumptions, can explain aging-related phenomena much better than the classic model, and according to epistemological criteria, it should be considered a priority hypothesis. I will discuss our progress in producing testable predictions to test the model. I will also discuss our work on the “immune militia” hypothesis of cellular senescence, which considers it an antiviral mechanism.
