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Vanderbilt biologist receives $1.3M Keck grant to study what birds’ longevity could mean for human aging

Published on: Jul 16, 2025

Pet parrots often outlive their owners—a mystery that researchers at Vanderbilt University are now aiming to solve. By uncovering the biological foundations of birds' exceptional longevity, they hope to pave the way for safe and effective anti-aging strategies in humans.

With a new $1.3 million grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation, biologist Gianni Castiglione is leading an innovative project to "reverse-engineer" how birds manage to live three to four times longer than mammals of similar size. The ultimate goal: identify genetic pathways that could safely extend human lifespan.

For decades, aging research has centered on how antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress, a major factor in aging. Interestingly, birds possess a mutation that changes their antioxidant response—a mutation that would be lethal in mammals, yet birds thrive with it.

Birds flourish despite having a mutation that would be deadly in humans,” said Castiglione, assistant professor of biological sciences and ophthalmology and visual sciences. “Many therapies try to amplify this antioxidant response to slow aging, but pushing it too far in mammals can backfire and increase the risk of cancer. Birds have already figured out a safe balance—so why not learn from nature?”

The project brings together a multidisciplinary team at Vanderbilt. Key collaborators include Nicole Creanza, assistant professor of biological sciences, who manages a zebra finch colony to help validate the team’s findings, and Allison Walker, assistant professor of chemistry and biological sciences, who is applying machine learning to decode the birds’ complex gene networks.

These gene networks are likely so intricately rewired that only advanced machine learning can reveal the full picture,” Castiglione noted. “That’s why having Allison’s expertise is so essential.

This marks Vanderbilt’s third consecutive Keck Foundation award in as many years. The university’s Research Development and Support team, housed in the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation, provided critical guidance throughout the grant process—from refining Castiglione’s proposal to preparing him for his final presentation.

“Their support made a huge difference,” Castiglione said. “They helped clarify my ideas, hit every deadline, and shape the presentation—probably the best I’ve delivered since my Ph.D. defense. I doubt I would’ve succeeded without their help.

Elizabeth Zechmeister, interim chief research officer and senior associate provost for research and development, emphasized that the award reflects Vanderbilt’s dedication to fostering high-impact, cross-disciplinary research.

This Keck award highlights how innovation, institutional support, and collaborative execution work together to drive success,” she said. “Dr. Castiglione’s achievement is a powerful example of that synergy.

Since joining Vanderbilt three years ago, Castiglione has embraced the university’s culture of interdisciplinary collaboration—an environment he says has been instrumental in advancing this bold research direction.

We’re bringing together insights from across fields, which is strongly encouraged here,” he said. “Rather than forcing research into a mold, Vanderbilt promotes exploration.

If the team’s efforts pay off, humans may one day not just marvel at the longevity of parrots—but achieve it themselves.

Source: https://news.vanderbilt.edu/2025/07/16/vanderbilt-biologist-receives-1-3m-keck-grant-to-study-what-birds-longevity-could-mean-for-human-aging/

 

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