Organisms have to control their growth in accordance with environmental conditions. Interestingly, the pathways regulating growth often also affect aging. This course focuses on the analysis of growth regulation in yeast, Drosophila, and mammalian cells and on its connection to aging. The participants will perform experiments to study insulin/TOR signaling as a key regulator of growth and aging.

The course describes the physiological systems of model organisms, with a particular focus on insects (in particular Drosophila), nematodes (in particular C. elegans), and the comparison to mammals.

Insights into pathophysiological aspects of selected metabolic disorders in man. One focus will be on diabetes and/or obesity.