Models, Molecules and Mechanisms in Biogerontology: Physiological Abnormalities, Diseases and Interventions

This book examines the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with aging. It comprehensively describes the genetic, epigenetic, biochemical and metabolic regulation of aging, as well as some important age-related diseases. Divided into two major sections, it takes readers through the various aspects of aging in a story-like manner and suggests various interventions for healthy aging, such as dietary restriction, regular exercise, nutrition and maintaining a balanced and a non-stressful lifestyle. It describes the implications of aging on the nervous system, metabolism, immunity and stem cells as well as care for the elderly. The book is an ideal companion for both new and established researchers in the field and is also useful for educators, clinicians and policy makers.

Pramod C. Rath is a Professor of Molecular Biology at the School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He received his Ph. D. in Zoology (Biochemistry) in 1988 from the Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi on the topic 'gene expression during aging' under the supervision of Prof. M. S. Kanungo, who started research on 'biology of aging' in India. He completed his post-doctoral research at the Institute for Molecular Biology I, University of Zurich, Switzerland with Prof. Charles Weissmann, a well-known molecular biologist.

He has 27 years of teaching and research experience, having mentored 18 Ph. D. and 4 M. Phil. students. He has published his research in respected international journals, such as Ageing Research Reviews, Molecular Neurobiology, Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience, RNA Biology, PLoS ONE, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Molecular Biology Reports, Journal of Biosciences, Biochemical Biophysical Research Communications, Biochimica Biophysica Acta, FEBS Letters, Journal of Clinical Immunology etc. He has published a Springer book, titled 'Topics in Biomedical Gerontology'.

He teaches molecular biology, molecular genetics & genetic engineering and cell signaling to master's and Ph.D. students. Research in his laboratory is focused on cytokines; transcription factors; cell signaling and diseases; genomic biology of repetitive DNA and noncoding RNA; bone marrow stem cells and molecular aging in mammals. He has received numerous awards and fellowships and has been the Vice-President of the Association of Gerontology (India), Acting Dean at the School of Life Sciences. He is a member of several national academic and scientific committees.