Study of molecular and genetic mechanisms of organism aging and stress-resistance in the Drosophila melanogaster model

We reviewed the results of studies in the field of genetics of longevity and aging that was performed using fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster in the Laboratory of Molecular Radiobiology and Gerontology of the Institute of Biology, Komi Sci. Centre, Ural Branch, RAS. Special focus is on effects of activation of DNA damage recognition and repair genes on the Drosophila lifespan and resistance to different types of stressors. The positive impact of pharmacological agents and biologically active phytogenic substances on the organism vitality is described. Additionally, the role of DNA damage response genes in the formation of organism reactions to low-dose ionizing radiation is considered.