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The Integration Initiative: Sex, Aging, Genomics, and Evolution (IISAGE) is an NSF-funded Biological Integration Institute aimed at understanding the functional genomic basis of differences in lifespan and aging between sexes across a wide range of animals. We are comprised of 11 research laboratories spread across 9 institutions.

Why do we study sex-specific aging?

There is immense variation in how females and males age in the animal kingdom. In humans, sex differences in aging are strong, with females living longer. In model organisms, we can study how sex differences are impacted by genetics and the environment, and how these factors influence distinct aging processes in females and males. By studying diverse species, we can better understand conserved mechanisms regulating sex-specific aging across the animal kingdom.


Stay Updated!

Our IISAGE trainees made a big presence at the Evolution 2025 conference this past week in Athens, GA, where they presented their incredible work on sex-biased aging within the animal kingdom! #evolution2025 šŸ§¬šŸŖ°šŸ”¬

Integration Initiative: Sex, Aging, Genomics, and Evolution (@iisage.bsky.social) 2025-06-27T14:09:16.424Z

IISAGE makes a presence at the 66th Annual Drosophila Research Conference! Our team of fly scientists showcased their work to the public, engaging the science community with recent discoveries regarding aging in the Drosophila species! 🪰 #Dros25

Integration Initiative: Sex, Aging, Genomics, and Evolution (@iisage.bsky.social) 2025-03-25T15:24:10.388Z

Special thanks to the National Science Foundation for providing the funding that enables our research.