Our research focus is on understanding the mechanisms of longevity and cancer resistance. Aging is the major cause of death in developed countries. By finding ways to delay aging it will be possible to delay the onset of multiple age-related diseases. Cancer is another major killer in developed world, where 25% of human mortality is caused by cancer. Cancer incidence increases exponentially with age and to achieve long-life species must evolve efficient tumor suppressor mechanisms. Our goal is to understand such mechanisms in mammalian species that are naturally cancer-resistant. Interests: Molecular and cell biology; Tumor suppressor mechanisms in log-lived rodents the Naked Mole-Rat and Eastern Grey Squirrel; Mammalian Sirt proteins in regulation of stress response during aging; Anti-cancer mechanisms in whales