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{{Short description|Italian-American biogerontologist and cell biologist}}
{{Short description|Biography of Valter Longo, an Italian-American biogerontologist and cell biologist}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}


[[File:Valter_Longo_2022.png|thumb|Valter Longo in 2022]]
==Valter Longo==
'''Valter D. Longo''' (born October 9, 1967) is an Italian-American biogerontologist and cell biologist known for his research on the role of fasting and nutrient response genes in aging and diseases. He is a professor of gerontology and biological sciences at the [[University of Southern California]] (USC) and the director of the USC Longevity Institute.
[[File:Valter Longo 2022.png|thumb|right|Valter Longo in 2022]]
'''Valter Longo''' is an Italian-American biogerontologist and cell biologist known for his research on the role of [[fasting]] and [[diet]] in promoting longevity and healthspan. He is a professor of gerontology and biological sciences at the [[University of Southern California]] (USC) and the director of the USC Longevity Institute.


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Valter Longo was born in [[Genoa]], [[Italy]]. He moved to the [[United States]] at the age of 16 as an exchange student. Longo attended the [[University of North Texas]] where he received his undergraduate degree in biochemistry. He then pursued a Ph.D. in biochemistry at the [[University of California, Los Angeles]] (UCLA), where he studied under the guidance of [[Roy Walford]], a pioneer in the field of caloric restriction and aging.
Valter Longo was born in [[Genoa]], [[Italy]]. He moved to the [[United States]] to pursue higher education, where he attended the [[University of North Texas]] for his undergraduate studies. Longo later earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the [[University of California, Los Angeles]] (UCLA), where he studied under the mentorship of [[Roy Walford]], a pioneer in the field of [[caloric restriction]] and aging.


==Career==
==Career==
After completing his Ph.D., Longo conducted postdoctoral research at the [[University of Southern California]] in the laboratory of [[Caleb Finch]], focusing on the genetic mechanisms of aging. He later joined the faculty at USC, where he established his own laboratory to study the molecular pathways involved in aging and age-related diseases.
Longo's research focuses on the mechanisms of aging and the development of dietary interventions to promote healthy aging. He has contributed significantly to the understanding of how fasting and fasting-mimicking diets can influence cellular protection, regeneration, and longevity.


Longo's research has primarily focused on the effects of fasting and caloric restriction on longevity and healthspan. He has identified several key nutrient-sensing pathways, such as the [[IGF-1]] and [[mTOR]] pathways, that play crucial roles in the aging process. His work has led to the development of the "Fasting Mimicking Diet" (FMD), a dietary regimen designed to mimic the effects of fasting while providing essential nutrients.
===Fasting and longevity===
Longo is best known for his work on the [[fasting-mimicking diet]] (FMD), a dietary regimen designed to mimic the effects of fasting while providing essential nutrients. His studies have shown that periodic fasting can reduce risk factors for aging and age-related diseases, such as [[diabetes]], [[cancer]], and [[cardiovascular disease]].


==Research and contributions==
===Research on yeast and humans===
Longo's research has demonstrated that periodic fasting can have beneficial effects on health and longevity. His studies have shown that fasting can protect normal cells while making cancer cells more susceptible to chemotherapy. This has led to clinical trials investigating the potential of fasting as an adjunct to cancer treatment.
Longo's research began with studies on [[yeast]], a model organism for aging research, where he discovered that reducing the activity of certain genes could extend lifespan. He later translated these findings to mammalian systems, including humans, demonstrating the potential of dietary interventions in promoting healthspan.


In addition to his work on fasting, Longo has explored the role of specific genes in aging and disease. His research has identified several "longevity genes" that are conserved across species and are involved in the regulation of lifespan and healthspan.
==Publications and media==
 
Valter Longo has published numerous scientific articles and books on aging and nutrition. His book, "The Longevity Diet," outlines his dietary recommendations for promoting longevity and reducing the risk of age-related diseases. Longo's work has been featured in various media outlets, highlighting the potential of dietary interventions in extending healthy lifespan.
==Publications and books==
Valter Longo has published numerous scientific articles in prestigious journals such as ''[[Cell (journal)|Cell]]'', ''[[Nature (journal)|Nature]]'', and ''[[Science (journal)|Science]]''. He is also the author of the book "The Longevity Diet," which outlines his dietary recommendations for promoting health and longevity based on his research findings.


==Awards and recognition==
==Awards and recognition==
Longo has received several awards for his contributions to the field of aging research, including the Nathan Shock Award from the [[National Institute on Aging]] and the Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star Award in Aging Research from the [[American Federation for Aging Research]].
Longo has received several awards for his contributions to the field of aging research, including the [[Ellison Medical Foundation]] New Scholar Award in Aging and the [[Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging]] award.


==Related pages==
==Related pages==
* [[Fasting-mimicking diet]]
* [[Caloric restriction]]
* [[Caloric restriction]]
* [[Fasting]]
* [[Longevity]]
* [[Longevity]]
* [[Biogerontology]]
* [[Biogerontology]]


==References==
[[Category:Biogerontologists]]
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Italian biologists]]
 
==External links==
* [https://gero.usc.edu/faculty/longo/ Valter Longo's profile at USC]
* [https://www.valterlongo.com/ Valter Longo's personal website]
 
[[Category:1967 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American biologists]]
[[Category:American biologists]]
[[Category:Italian biologists]]
[[Category:University of Southern California faculty]]
[[Category:University of Southern California faculty]]
[[Category:University of North Texas alumni]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:University of California, Los Angeles alumni]]

Latest revision as of 12:09, 15 February 2025

Biography of Valter Longo, an Italian-American biogerontologist and cell biologist



Valter Longo[edit]

Valter Longo in 2022

Valter Longo is an Italian-American biogerontologist and cell biologist known for his research on the role of fasting and diet in promoting longevity and healthspan. He is a professor of gerontology and biological sciences at the University of Southern California (USC) and the director of the USC Longevity Institute.

Early life and education[edit]

Valter Longo was born in Genoa, Italy. He moved to the United States to pursue higher education, where he attended the University of North Texas for his undergraduate studies. Longo later earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he studied under the mentorship of Roy Walford, a pioneer in the field of caloric restriction and aging.

Career[edit]

Longo's research focuses on the mechanisms of aging and the development of dietary interventions to promote healthy aging. He has contributed significantly to the understanding of how fasting and fasting-mimicking diets can influence cellular protection, regeneration, and longevity.

Fasting and longevity[edit]

Longo is best known for his work on the fasting-mimicking diet (FMD), a dietary regimen designed to mimic the effects of fasting while providing essential nutrients. His studies have shown that periodic fasting can reduce risk factors for aging and age-related diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

Research on yeast and humans[edit]

Longo's research began with studies on yeast, a model organism for aging research, where he discovered that reducing the activity of certain genes could extend lifespan. He later translated these findings to mammalian systems, including humans, demonstrating the potential of dietary interventions in promoting healthspan.

Publications and media[edit]

Valter Longo has published numerous scientific articles and books on aging and nutrition. His book, "The Longevity Diet," outlines his dietary recommendations for promoting longevity and reducing the risk of age-related diseases. Longo's work has been featured in various media outlets, highlighting the potential of dietary interventions in extending healthy lifespan.

Awards and recognition[edit]

Longo has received several awards for his contributions to the field of aging research, including the Ellison Medical Foundation New Scholar Award in Aging and the Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging award.

Related pages[edit]