Abstract: The technology described in this document can be embodied in a computer-implemented method that includes accessing, by one or more processors, data for a plurality of health-related parameters of an individual, and determining, by the one or more processors, a corresponding individual age-adjustment factor based on data for one or more of the plurality of health-related parameters. The age-adjustment factor computed for a given health-related parameter represents an estimated gain or loss in age as indicated by the data for the given health-related parameter. The method also includes combining, by the one or more processors, two or more of the individual age-adjustment factors to provide a combined age-adjustment factor, and determining, by the one or more processors, a physiological age of the individual based on the combined age-adjustment factor and a chronological age of the individual.

Abstract: Methods of modulating insulin secretion and treating metabolic disorders by modulating the expression or activity of Sirt4 are provided.

Abstract: Methods for screening a compound, by providing a test mixture comprising a transcription factor, Sir2, and a Sir2 cofactor with the compound, and evaluating an activity of a component of the test mixture in the presence of the compound are described.

Abstract: SIRT1 regulates the physiology of cells of the adipocyte lineage. Modulators of SIRT1 activity can be used to ameliorate, treat, or prevent diseases and disorders associated with adipose physiology, e.g., obesity, an obesity-related disease, or a fat-related metabolic disorder.

Abstract: Methods of screening for compounds that modulate the expression or activity of Sirt4 are provided. Also provided are methods of modulating insulin secretion, treating metabolic disorders, and treating neurodegenerative disorders by modulating the expression or activity of Sirt4.

Abstract: Methods of isolating mutant yeast cells with increased life span, as well as mutant yeast cells isolated by the methods, are disclosed. Also described are methods of identifying agents which increase life span of yeast cells, and methods of isolating genes which affect senescence in organisms.

Abstract: Methods of identifying agents which alter the NAD-dependent acetylation status and mono-ADP-ribosylation of nuclear proteins are disclosed. The methods further include identifying agents which alter the life span or aging of a cell or an organism by determining the level of NAD-dependent acetylation and/or ADP ribosylation of a nuclear protein. The invention also relates to a mammalian Sir2 protein which acetylates or deacetylates nuclear proteins in a NAD-dependent manner and has mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase activity. Host cells producing the Sir2 protein and antibodies to the Sir2 protein are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of identifying an biological age-associated marker. The method can include: providing a first organism having a first genotype and a second organism having a second genotype, wherein the first and second organisms are derived from the same species and are the same chronological age; and comparing a property associated with a biomolecule in the first organism to a property associated with the biomolecule in the second organism to identify a biomolecule having a preselected value for said property, thereby identifying the biomolecule as an biological age-associated marker.

Abstract: Methods of isolating mutant yeast cells with increased life span, as well as mutant yeast cells isolated by the methods, are disclosed. Also described are methods of identifying agents which increase life span of yeast cells, and methods of isolating genes which affect senescence in organisms.

Abstract: Methods of identifying agents or compounds which are capable of inhibiting the replication and/or accumulation of DNA circles in cells are described. Also described are methods of assessing the ability of a compound to extend life span, as well as methods of extending life span, comprising administering to a cell a compound identified by the assays described herein which extends life span. The invention also pertains to isolated mWRN, or an active derivative or fragment thereof and to an isolated nucleic acid molecule which encodes mWRN, or an active derivative or fragment thereof.

Abstract: Methods of isolating mutant yeast cells with increased life span, as well as mutant yeast cells isolated by the methods, are disclosed. Also described are methods of identifying agents which increase life span of yeast cells, and methods of isolating genes which affect senescence in organisms.

Abstract: Methods of isolating mutant yeast cells with increased life span, as well as mutant yeast cells isolated by the methods, are disclosed. Also described are methods of identifying agents which increase life span of yeast cells, and methods of isolating genes which affect senescence in organisms.

Abstract: Methods of isolating mutant yeast cells with increased life span, as well as mutant yeast cells isolated by the methods, are disclosed. Also described are methods of identifying agents which increase life span of yeast cells, and methods of isolating genes which affect senescence in organisms.